Thank you Penelope
Death is sure the lazy one
insisting on leaving
so much undone.
Leaving the house in order
is the civilized thing to do
no task for busy children.
All those files of lesson plans
for students forgotten
for classes long since over.
And what use is a curriculum vita
for one retired so log ago
and not looking to move?
Fifteen hundred jazz cds
long since copied into the
computer of use to someone,
but whom?
My father’s watch at the end of a
shoelace so admired for so many years
now unused in a drawer.
The book downsizing goes slowly
since each book is an old friend
deserving a respectful goodbye.
Each closet culled of “not worn in a year’”,
tee shirts kept for
messages nor to be understood
by young buyers at the Thrift.
Been going to clean out the spice shelves
for many years to get rid of
spices traded in the Middle East from a camel.
Fixed the roof, driveway and pool,
garden is in as good shape
as a "no bend gardener" can do.
So I have taken your advice
to get my house in order,
but my life time of mess is
going to take more time.
I know you are in a hurry
but I have much to do
and need to get back to work.
So if you are in such a hurry
and you won’t help, go ahead
I will catch up when I am done.
And when I do catch up with sweat
from my labors, your cool hand
on my brow will be welcome
November 24, 2012 Doug Minnis