Washing my hands.

One faucet, two hands

Ten fingers-

sinful digits scrubbed with soap.

Each protruding knuckle rubbed raw

thrice, until the thoughts still

(still, they do not)

I drown my palms-

dirty and defiant

in the freezing stream

(numb your skin;

numb your mind).

When I am finished

I count to nine

and start again.