You started in my face 

when I pressed my wet wash cloth 

close and breathed in so deep 

I exhaled my courage 

I choked on my inadequacy and coughed up my confidence 

then you slide down my throat and 

crossed over to my shoulders 

and I suddenly felt the weight of my own world 

rest easy on my brittle bones 

what backbone I had left 

you used as a balance beam

and found your way to my knees 

where they wobbled in submission 

they could not bend to pray you away 

and you laughed your way to my weary feet 

but thankfully my thick calves made you so slow 

that by the time you found your way to the bottom of my body 

you were directed by a  tongue regaining strength that you had long overstayed your welcome.

When you come back 

which you always do 

we will try again 

and maybe stop you 

before you have a chance to leave my mind.