Exhale

Finding myself
at the end of a day
that felt like three-
water rushes into the tub
as thoughts rush out
of my crowded mind.

Steam rises and I carefully slip
into my own little pool
of tranquility-
enveloped in warmth,
breathing in and out,
the sweet aroma
of lavendar and serenity.

At once I am forced
to make a deliberate choice
not to notice
my chipped toenail polish
or the size of my hips,
perhaps a half inch closer
to the side of the tub
than this time last year…

"No," I say to myself-
to-do lists and little vanities
will be there tomorrow...
In this moment I decide
only to listen to these soft bubbles
bursting on my skin
and the exhale of a day’s end,
not a moment too soon.