so i went to go to the bathroom
it had been a long night
too many beer
the morning sun was screaming in the window
michael, it's time to go to the bathroom
i am the obedient sort
i raced down the hall to the bathroom
to find the window covered with a black sheet
the bathtub full of chemicals
and a developer sitting on the toilet
i was desperate
and the sink was handy
i was also in need of a bath
i emptied the tub
washed down the yogurt and sulphur smell of the chemicals
and filled the tub with the hot water that would save me
as usual, i sank to my chin
got the paper wet while i read the news
the steam of the tub and the odour of the chemicals
when i got out to dry myself off
my skin was its usual post-bath lobster red
i sprinkled myself liberally with baby powder
and got dress to face the day
as i walked down the stairs and towards the street
i could feel the pictures beginning to develop
on my chest and thighs
Copyright© michael dennis/Ordinary Press 1982