Washing Vessels Poem by Dr Vidya Hariharan

Washing Vessels

Pots and pans line the sink
With a large, upturned wok
Smack in the middle,
Spoons and forks, knives
With the sharp edges turned up
Towards the washer of vessels.

She picks them up one by one
Stacks them around the sink
Scrapes the leftovers into the bin
Then runs the vessels under the tap
Finally, she soaps them up
Rinses them again one by one.

She scrubs the sink till it shines
No trace of oil or fat is left
The aroma of soap fills the air
As she washes her hands,
Green bangles jangling at her wrist.
A quiet smile of satisfaction graces
Her face as she looks around
At the spotless kitchen
***