Grimbeau

Long plunge for bad hands;

flannel jowl and fronds;

Swift wash of forearms,

elbows, knees and thigh fronts.

A modest film of moisture cream daubed

then smoothed on outbursts, blotches, and salt crust.

Prevent cure.

Cure prevention.

Prevention does not cure.

Cold yucca on blasted rock red sill.

Wiping is fuss.

Pain bothers self and others.

Even the vermillion, coral soap opal

hides in aniseed shades, sandal wood fumes.

We shout in whispers

like cisterns filling:

shy sirens shrieking.