Frozen Showers

Frozen showers...
So cold as I lose my breath
laying alone cold on a nylon slip-covered mattress
freezing as I exhale
cold, freezing water
cancerous white suds, shampoo, rinse, repeat
frozen water running on nerve-dead shins
the goosebumps that form as the water hits me bare
raw, naked, and fucking cold.
When I lay awake at night, blanketless
I grab the only thing to keep me sane
a full body pillow
suds on my rear
did I wash behind my ears?

the boiler's broken.
I took a frozen shower.

- Fernando N, 10/2/08