Submerge

she soaked for hours at a time
never lit candles
put on music
or shared the tub
cherished complete solitude
and the stillness of the water

at times i submerge my body
and hold my breath
like she used to do

only death could
substitute the silence

wet and wrinkled
or dry and salty
she was kissable
even with the aftertaste of vodka
and diluted sleeping pills

at times i submerge my body
long to become the water
to rest in her corrugated skin
and be the stillness
that closed her eyes