On Hand-Washing Dishes During a Flare-Up (Day 73)

 

Under the hot water my hands 

feel better   bubbles enfolding

fingers and the muscular
swell at the base
of my thumb   three plates
done   each progressively heavier

tugging my hands 

toward the wide enamel
sink   the soapwater
maelstrom will suck each joint
gently through 

the drain and into the dark 

which eventually   I am told   surges

into the Chesapeake   there a cast
of immature blue crabs 

and a shimmering, darting school
of silversides will kiss
tickle peck nibble 

until nothing 

remains but a puzzle 

of porcelain bones.

(c) 2017, by Hannah Six