Circle

On brooks of velvet
You smelt like salt
Feet dipped in the plunge-pool
Cradled by stones, calluses
I loved to watch you wash

Goosebumps on goosethighs
You’d talk me through
The whys, cheek touching
Breath like peppermint
Water slowly darkened with
Garden-dirt and grass

Now, tables turned
You in that same basin
I’ll try to be gentle as
Then. You are the
Child now: pink and plump forever.