007 Spring Cleaning Poem by Lori Boulard

007 Spring Cleaning

Rating: 5.0


It is time. Time for changes.
Time to open windows
and let breezes of inspiration in,
sweep out the echo of lingering laughter,
and wipe away the stains of family, friends
and Shiraz tipped by the fire.
Put to sleep in their albums snapshots
of a time not wasted. Pack up the waste.
Set it out for prompt and permanent removal.

And while we’re at it,
let’s place the breakables
like India up on the shelf, careful
not to bend the corners.
Give the Middle East a good dusting
and hang Thailand out to dry.
Drip dry, please, too fragile for machines.

Europe we will leave for now.
The cat continent, self-cleaning in little licks
from time to time, when necessary.

Africa will remain in the attic,
saved for some other time.
Some tasks simply cannot be tackled at once.

Then there’s America - the dreaded basement
so easily ignored until impossible-
closets stacked to unrecognizable,
boxes of issues too frightful to unpack,
and having no real place besides.

For now leave the big things.
Stack the boxes neatly in the corner
for another day. Throw their concealing
blankets in for a good wash, followed
by a gentle but firm beating out on the line.
Tough love is good for rugs
and representatives.

Many chores remain as they always will,
but when these few are finished
we can sit back, sip a tall glass
of satisfaction in the sun, and enjoy
a little peace, if only for the moment.
We will always have next spring,
or so I am told.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Maggie Just May 17 August 2006

The second verse takes the reader there and we don't look back. How wonderfully expressive: drip-drying Thailand, dusting off the Middle East etc. A really inspiring piece that brings a wry smile and a pleasure of the craft herein.

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Simon Whild 10 November 2005

A wonderfully written and realised conceit! Deftly written as an interior monologue that underpins the poem's deeper meaning. We will definitely have to get our house in order - Spring is already upon is, metaphorcally speaking! I loved this one!

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Ivy Christou 01 November 2005

now this was extremely well put.. It took me a while to realise that you were not meaning only tidying the house.. Clever and subtle! HBH

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Ernestine Northover 31 October 2005

Now I did enjoy reading this one Lori, a very cleverly put together piece. It flowed beautifully, and held my attention all the way through. Well done! Sincerely Ernestine

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