a cleanse at dawn

I strip myself bare to nothingness

and cleanse myself beneath a steaming stream

I cover my breasts with my arms

with each palm resting atop the opposing shoulder

Photo by Haley Truong on Unsplash

Holding myself contrite

only then do I break

becoming the water lightly descending my complexion in its entirety

And it’s in this moment, I only hope I’ve humbled myself enough for God to show me the meaning of mercy

And to offer his helping hand

Though the shadows still remain.