I

Impure thoughts should always be hand washed.

Soak them for ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly

until not a spot is left,

except for that bit that is hard and swollen.

Maybe cold water will help?

II

Our love and our prayers have been treated to prevent shrinkage,

making them perfectly safe to bring anywhere you wish,

to do with them as you wish.

If in doubt, check the care label for instructions,

or ask us again. And again.

But please, when you wring us inside out,

be gentle?

That’s all we ever ask.

III

Love should be gently folded & kept flat and neat.

Never, ever put it on a hanger.

When packing it up, at the end of the season

make sure it is fresh and clean

before storing it away, sealed and tight.

IV

My love stretches itself easily, so lay me down on a clean towel

and gently roll it up to draw my tears out.

Unfurl, reshape my love and let me dry

my face away from sun and heat.

I need the dark and cold

to bring back my natural softness.

Or you could do it the hard way, the violent way.

Shake me. Reshape me

And lay me flat to die.