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Woman Bathing

And if a woman have an issue . . . [of blood], she shall be put apart seven days; and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean. . . . 
Leviticus 15:19 

She performs the persistent ritual of cleansing, 
the splashing of water 
upon her scarlet apple flesh 
sullied with blood 
to expunge the sins the fathers shout. 

But can she wash away the distorted reflection, 
the accusing leather-bound memorabilia, 
she sees in the water you lend, 
the rancid water pooled in stained basins 
colored with jaundiced eye? 

Authority

Protected 
in the womb 
of your mighty power 
I remain. 

My dependence 
feeds you.