Housekeeping

5.19.06

She wore her first spring dress while mopping

cleaning out winter's crud from the corners

dusting off the lint and powdery residue of life from surfaces

Open windows let in warm sunny air

as she swept and felt the breeze on her bare legs

her toes wiggled in sandals as elbows brushed by walls

Banging out the rugs in the garden and smelling the uncut

grass, she had to stop and breathe and let out old air

Back inside, the house seemed too small and even the light slithery dress too heavy

so she tossed it on the table

and continued naked in her tasks.