March 26, 2020

Setting My House in Order

When things get a little crazy,
I take to cleaning.  I start with the basics.
I make the beds, clear the dishes from
the sink, and wipe down the countertops.
I make space to sort things out.

When things start getting out of hand,
I take the vacuum in hand and put little
bits of chaos in their proper place.  I scour
the toilets and the bathroom sinks and
clear the mirrors of smudges and spittle.

When it feels like it's hitting the fan,
I swap out the old air filter for a new one,
and while I'm at it, the water filter too.
I take a damp washcloth to the fan blades
and a dry duster to the window blinds.

When it seems like the sky is falling,
I fall to my knees and scrub baseboards. 
That's a form of prayer, you know, as is
the spraying of vinegar on the glass of the
front storm door and buffing it spotless.

That's when I remember the outside needs
set aright too, because, well, things fall apart. 
My front porch and sidewalk are due for a good
sweep, yes, so I add those to the list, alongside
maintenance and repair of the world.  Amen.