So here I go--
my first undoing
each button
drops of water
(or coins) I slip
out my arms
my awkward shoulders
my elbow is
a baby deer
my pants like a weight
fall just legs
now just calves, thighs
just body
in bra; underclothes
When I unhook it
step though elastic
into new kingdoms
into unhinged
space and you can see
the lines now: arms
thighs, breasts, stomach
I love you
I'm sorry I hurt
you I love you
I miss you
I'm sorry
forgive me
I'm sorry please
give me a
moment
the baptism comes
slowly like a
realization and
I am dipping
my fingers two
at a time spreading
Holy water against
once parted skin
as if to say, "No.
This time my eyes
are opened and
I can see:
The landscape
is precious."