The Bath

Rest on my lap,
Let me put your swollen feet
into the water I poured
from this flowered vase.

Let me cradle first one foot
Then the other in my palm,
Work out the dirt from between
Your tiny toes.

Our heads together watch me
Work. I feel the heat
Of your head next to mine.
It is quiet away from muffled

Noise of horses snuffle,
Cart rattle on cobblestones
in the street outside.
Tomorrow you'll be back

to work for twelve hours
in clatter and dust
of the linen mill.
Enjoy this quiet my little one.