Huge heavy towel
Dipped deep down in blood
Soggy, saturated, soaked --
Weighty, ponderous towel
Picked up and twisted,
Wringing free pain and blood.
Strong resistance, stressful chore,
Pain concentrated into relieving pain.
Turn, wring, twist, wrench the towel,
Crush the fiber -- small as possible.
Arms hurt, palms sore,
Hands soaked in blood,
Fingers weak from pressure.
Ears ringing, jaw aching,
Heart thrusting blood,
Eyes strained from concentration.
Finally the towel is dry:
Bled of blood
Anger appeased.

Mar 1989