Spring Cleaning: 2022

Grateful for the time and years I've devoted to deep healing,

purging and re-building foundations, my inner home.

I gutted storage rooms, scrubbed window sills

and inspected all my pieces

Held broken mirrors and stained clothing,

staring at them, studying, remembering the moments

Glass shattered, names of bottles staining

dresses no longer fitting

Torn pants from mountain peaks,

blurring black, staining cheeks

I cried over, over spilt almonds,

molded blue cheese olives, and artisan breads

Inside cupboards that hid

great big gray tangles, regret

Of loving another so easily,

and romantic me, hopelessly

Tossing coins for return,

of another and myself

Until one at a time,

all at once, I gathered

Armfuls and bags, broken

mirrors, those stained dresses

Wrapped round wrists cutting

circulation at times more debris fell,

New shoes forming holes,

new contracts ripping soul,

Suddenly earrings rusted,

floors quickly dusted

Then the hang of it, dumping

faster, quicker, more efficiently

Stopping to snoop and inspect much

makeup brushes, hardly even used

Tossed and tossed one after another,

52 bags, 36 boxes and 7 pairs of shoes

Out and over and over again,

neighbors shared my duties

Held crooked dolls, inspecting

with me, moments before toss

Rubbish filling bins, set out Tuesdays

and every Sunday

I set a face mask and ran a bath,

resting week after week

Soaking in dissolving salts from what

eventually became an empty bag and trash too

Only this time, I don't remember, don't ignore,

don't rush to toss nor linger to study

Success, purge is over, out from my bath,

squeaky smelling of lavender and rose

Oil on my skin, I am wrapped in silk,

strolling down steps, my healing and rest,

Enjoying new home, new sparkles

cleansing years, carrying love

For the work I've done is long and ongoing

growth and deeper healing remains

Feeling love, the skills, tools, experiencing

clarity of space and thinking

The strength of all carried, relief

from waste from now open, airy, mind home

Where new appears on its own,

no longer mudded nor ripping

Soft skin, clear and steamed,

seeping with joy, gratitude

For the years I devoted to deep healing,

purging my inner home, re-framing beliefs and mind.