- Vol. 05
- Chapter 07
![](https://visualverse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/The_Childs_Bath_by_Mary_Cassatt_1893-1.jpg)
Image by Mary Cassatt
Martha
Martha looked after mewhen my parents were away.
Told me stories of the sea,
of mermen and monsters, they
swam with me under-covers before prayers,
along with other secrets I hushed up the stairs.
I remember her softly bathing my toes,
chalking me in Calamine
when the sun burnt my nose.
If she clapped quick it was a sign:
Parents were back and I was to bed!
I'd clamp my eyes shut and act like dead.
Why Martha left me? They didn't explain...
I talked to her always. See, I'm with her, again.