Hot Tub

Aeiiyeeee
My feet burn
But it's only the skin
As I edge my legs in
I sit on the rim
Waiting for the sensation to pass
Then slowly
I crouch down
Gripping the edge of the tub
With both hands
And breathe

It takes time
For the heat
To seep into my body
Slowly making my heart beat
Faster, harder
Making sweat bead on my forehead
And run down my nose to my chin
Dripping back into the water

I feel the absence of pain
Throughout my body
Aaaaaahhhh

But then it becomes stifling

I inch my way back up
And the world spins around me

I sit on the rim
Breathing
Waiting for my pulse to slow down
Before I gingerly slide one foot
Then the other
Out of the tub
Letting go of the edge
Sensing what it feels like
To take my first steps