Now that they're all gone: let's begin

NOW THAT THEY’RE  ALL GONE: LETS BEGIN

Before shaking, cajoling,

wrestling the key

in the studio lock,

get the gesso

and paint a wide streak

down the laundry pile.

Use that erasure brush

so the heaving basket

disappears.

Don’t notice the dishes;

forgo the broom;

avoid eye contact

with the flowers that droop

their pollen in tears

on the kitchen table.

Pause before stepping

into this other room.

Try! Unlearn the duty

you’ve spelt in your sleep.

Unhook its badge!

Delicately rest its body

in a velvet box

hidden in a sock.

Rebecca Guyver

25 September, 2012