A woman stands on the banks of a river
in the painting on the wall. She dreams

of crossing over to the other shore. I take
off my clothes and lie down for my journey.

The scent of the oils takes me to gardens
where roses and chamomile blossom

at dusk and iridescent music shimmers.
Jessica is a healer, descended from women

healers of old. Her fingers speak
my body’s language. They say, “Here

I must prod and push, here soothe and calm.
Here I add blue, here I add gold.” Her touch,

the colors, the scents, and the music
are one and butterflies are everywhere.

When my body and soul are soothed,
I am the woman and I am the river;

I have crossed over to the other shore
And my journey is complete.