curls of orange peel

steeped in vinegar

washing soda and pristine cotton rags

attended by long-sleeved rubber gloves

inside an unsullied plastic bucket

all fresh as a yet to be opened diary

sentinels of cleansing await

sink piled high with half-promises

a minefield of abandoned shoes and solo socks

trenches of unfolded laundry

Spring cleaning expectations

swirl the drain counterclockwise

every surface a task to be tackled

clanking chores cuff my limbs

hobbling me

maybe I need essential oils

or Swedish sponges

Prehaps I can spark joy with

organic soap and a hemp loofah

five easy steps to a brand new you

just need to take one