I.
Exfoliation grates my skin
grime like dirty rice
peppers pink plastic
hugs the massage bed
ajumma in black lace bra, panty set
tells me in Korean
to lie face down
I didn’t learn that phrase
she files my skin like sandpaper
I lost a pound of dirt
scrubs my naked body
she guesses my age
each wrinkle and fold
reveals time
I sit in every tub
hot, warm, cold
every steam room
every sauna
oak, salt, clay, jade, ice
II.
My first Korean jimjilbang visit
included nudity
not mine
a random ajussi
post-World Cup match
lights turned low
he took his place on the mat
naked
stared in shock amongst shadows
nervous giggles crowded the room