Bath Time Sonnet

In steeping bath of bergamot and thyme,

Of love besot, in winter’s garden play,

With silken skin afresh in scents sublime,

With me, my love, afloat in fragrance, stay.

Into this pond of sacred water dive -

My body’s slick with precious oils’ film -

Seek out my breath and penetrate my hive,

In pools of sweat, my love, to drown or swim.

Dear Holy Ghost, as jasmine fountains spray,

In watr’y light absolve a virgin’s stains,

My heart shall bleed and on my knees I pray,

Have mercy, Lord, for passion floods my veins.

Disperse these healing herbs to cure and cleanse,

Allow us time for love and grace dispense.