Washing Your Hair In the Claw-Foot Tub

You were 3, maybe 4 years old.

Your hair was already long past

your shoulders.

I loved that you got your dad's

straight black Asian hair.

You were afraid you might drown

from the water flowing over your face

Your fear touched my every sense.

I wanted to protect you.

Gently, I leaned you back

against my left arm.

I folded a wash cloth and showed you

how to hold it over your closed eyes,

then I blew raspberries,

telling you to do that while

the water is running over your face.

You trusted me, not knowing

how unsure I was of myself.

You trusted that I could protect you,

help you learn to overcome your fear,

help you learn to find your own solutions.

Naida Lavon

Jan. 12, 2019