Washing-up

living in the days of the week
tomorrow i put out the trash
at two i bring in the mail

breakfast dishes done
the washer churns.

he used to do his own laundry.
i'm doing this last load for him
white polo, khakis, briefs, socks
that he wore to the hospital.

putting them away one last time.

no clothes or dishes or trash for him
anymore.
i stopped his mail.

warm scent wafts up from smoothed fabric,
soothes,
settles.
days chores all I have
useless in the grand design.
necessary.

the washer stops.
I have to feed the dryer.