Bathing in Warmth

Bathing in warmth, as water ascends, 

Curtains drawn, with steam that blends, 

It envelops as soap takes the plunge, 

Cleansing my skin, every grime and lunge. 

Arms too short, my back they can't reach, 

A stretch of youth, lessons they teach. 

Once, Mother shielded from prying eyes, 

Innocent to nakedness, her love belies. 

Days carefree, when burdens were not mine, 

Mother's hands, feminine divine. 

Her strength, my weakness she'd dismiss, 

Tenderly shedding old skin's chrysalis. 

Scrubbed with the promise of growing strong, 

Each layer gone, like Eve's sweet song. 

Yet, amidst this love, self-consciousness grew, 

Shame and adulthood, a formidable brew. 

Declared myself an adult, veiled away, 

Believed I'd be stronger, come what may. 

Body stiffened, skin unwashed, alone, 

In my shower, far from the love I'd known. 

No comforting touch, no one to share, 

The burden of my back, my flesh laid bare. 

Grown up as promised, yet grown apart, 

A lonely figure in my bathroom's heart.

 Steams from hot water flow, veiling my solitude, 

Behind shower curtains, alone I'm subdued. 

I close my eyes, the past I retrieve,

 In every water drop, my youth I believe.