Tub Time

I do my best thinking in the bath

getting in before the water

and sitting there, chilled

until the water creeps up

inch by inch, warming my body.

Sometimes I let the shower

pour water down on me from above

like a calming rainfall;

bringing cleansing thoughts
in addition to hot flecks of water.

Once the water has reached its limits,

past the tape I’ve placed over
the drain to stretch those bounds,

I can relax and think.

I watch the water play over my body,

causing little ripples in reflections of the tub,

the faucet, the drain spout,

using my hands to block or aid 

my vision of myself.

Coffee Filter

I drink my coffee through a straw,
the conduit acting as a filter
to draw away any bitterness;
Any teeth staining substance.

A way to let the hot liquid slip
straight down my throat:
a bitter pill made less
difficult to swallow.

Much like I did with you,
using lust as a conduit
to safeguard my feelings
until I had enough distance
to realize what you were.

A bitter substance
better left untasted,
no matter the caffeine rush
you promised to give.

It wasn't worth the risk
of tasting you
craving you
becoming addicted to you
for a simple jolt to start each day.

But I did it anyway.