Midsummer

First, choose a night that keeps the heat of day.
Next, order cool breezes from willow trees
soaked overnight in dark mysteries. Then,
remove bath from bathroom and place amidst
a filigree of ferns in folds of lime trees.
Now, frost rim of bath with silver moonlight,
line base with lemon verbena leaves and
place wild honeysuckle on taps. Slowly,
fill to brim with infusion of rosemary.
Order peacocks to open a jewelled screen.
When all is secret and silent remove clothes;
consume fig and elderflower salad.
Roll in rose petals, place parsley in ears
submerge body in water, dissolve all fears.

Rebecca Farmer
Recipe For A Summer Bath
Good Housekeeping Magazine
February 1994