Bathing Beauties

Bathing Beauties

What is it makes bathing bodies so compelling?

Beside the natural urge toward procreation,

I mean. A certain beauty. Certainly that, though

that too often depends on the bather or bathers

in particular. Is it the vibrancy of health,

or perhaps the symmetry of the human form—

when it is symmetrical, anyway. What is it

that draws the eyes to the curves of hip,

dark ovals of the nipples, angular strength

of shoulder blades, knees, elbows, ankles . . .

Is it the astonishment of nudity,

perhaps a protective urge for a herd member

exposed and vulnerable? Or empathy

with the freedom of nakedness, longing

for the most natural state of being?

David M Pitchford
1 May 2008