Sink Copyright © Fred Rapsey 2011

Unbalanced heaps of food-smeared forks and plates
Present an under-rated chance to think
The dried-on crocks are greeted in the sink
By scalding, cleansing water, it's their fate
to soak and soften; one is badly cracked,
so it will go, death to bacteria
Better check the fridge so that lysteria
is removed. With subtlety and tact
I summon dirty clothes for washing. Shirts
I do not spin, they crease, the iron fails,
If I were rich my laundry-maid would quail
at such a task. Ignoring hidden dirt's
a special skill. Although it is mechanical,
Dishes' restoration is no manacle.