THE DISCIPLINE OF HOUSEWORK

by Michelle Rogge



On ordinary days, you have dusting to do --
You clean your photos and knick-knacks, wondering
Each time why you have so many.

On ordinary days, you wash dishes at least
Twice a day, not forgetting to clean off the stove,
Thinking about the sandwich your son refused to eat.

It is on such days that God takes hold of your hand
And scrubs the stubborn spot on the refrigerator
For you, and helps you make the beds

and, most importantly, makes the coffee.

And, then, on the not-so-ordinary days
You put away last season's clothes
Neatly into boxes labeled WINTER.

You drag out the current season's and hold
up that younger-looking, amazingly wrinkle-free
Summer dress to your winter face, not smiling.

It is on such days you pour boiling water into corners,
Scour the windows with old newspapers,
And sit alone by the bedroom window, waiting for God

to take you in his arms -- but he doesn't.