I dump my dirty clothes down to the floor.
Laundry day, a common chore, I sort
Bright colors from tender-stained whites,
And make sure pockets are checked for stiff tissues.
The detergent lingers – its sticky liquid leaking
Around the rim. A rumble disrupts the silence
As the machine rolls its whole load. I watch
The clock turn time away, and sigh –
Thirty-some minutes later, the vibration lulls.
I peel garments back like wet hair
Sifting through a comb. A double glance in the chamber,
Then I step away. The bag droops over my shoulder.
Circling the corner, low hums survive.
Now it’s just time for the dryer ride.