Ritual

Clean and pure,
the water filled so that
someone lying in it would
bring the level almost to
the brim;

Soapy loofah and brush
sitting in the sink, having
done their work and leaving
skin softly abraded, gently,
so blood comes to the surface
but does not break
through;

Arms still damp from lowering
them into the water, I kneel
on the bathroom rug,
head bowed in prayers to
send them on their way;

One last soak,
one final baptism,
one more item checked off.