Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Poem

When we fight I clean
It just makes sense to me
Miscommunication, misunderstand, missteps
I cannot control
But tidy countertops, neat stacks, open surfaces
I can

When we fight I clean
It just makes sense to me
Past issues bubbling through new happenings
I cannot control
But made beds, washed clothes, organized drawers
I can

When we fight I clean
It just makes sense to me
Hurt feelings. Valid feelings. Tough feelings
I cannot control
But swept floors, tucked in chairs, lined cans
I can

When we fight I clean
It just makes sense to me
Turbulent arguments, disappointments all around
I cannot control
But the appearance of my self, my home, my life
I can

3 comments:

Vanessa Worrell said...

I also clean after a fight. It's amazing how clean my house is after a big fight. I always thought that it was just a way to release my energy, but I do see the control piece of it also. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal and well written poem.

Holly Mueller said...

Aw, I feel ambivalence in this poem. Sadness for the frustration and anger, residues of the fight, and relief that you have something that helps you work through it. I hope you made up!

Anonymous said...

Fights are horrible, they make you feel so drained, after it's over. While you are in the middle of it you are pumping with adrenaline and cleaning and sorting a house makes complete sense, your emotions are in disarray but you can control how clean you house is. I get this totally, I do it too. Hopefully this fight is over and you can sit back, exhausted and enjoy a lovely clean house. I liked the repetition of the first two lines of each stanza. Well written.