this is really splendid, I'd kept it 'unread' in my inbox for a while
so I could get to it properly; but all I want to say now is that I
enjoyed this hugely. it's a wonderful, humane, sunlit poem
KS
On 19/09/2007, andrew burke <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> sweeping is foreplay
> to mopping
>
> and a sure way to
> get to know your floor
> from door to door
>
> *
>
> I never knew before
> physio for a broken elbow
> that there are long muscles
> which respond to speedy action
> and neighbourly muscles
> which respond to slow.
> As I mop I exercise,
> quick quick slow
> quick quick slow
> (the steps should be printed
> on the side of the bucket).
>
> *
>
> This morning, Stockhausen's 'Hymen'
> keeps my mind off
> mopping
>
> although
> I also mop to
> Zutty Singleton's solo
> on 'Moppin'n'Boppin'
>
> *
>
> As I dip the mop I think
> is holy water
> safe?
>
> I mean all those fingers
> dipping in and
> out in the portals of churches
>
> germ wherefore
>
> *
>
> When my feet get wet
> (to do anything right
> you've got to get your feet
> wet)
> they leave small muddy prints
> which I trail the mop over
> and clean up as I go
>
> I mop in a time of peace
>
> *
>
> Out in the sun
> barefoot
> on weed-infested grass
> I whirl the mop head dry
> and smile
> at a Rastafarian
> dancing out here
> cursing the double-gees
>
> _lively up yourself
> and don't be no drag …_
>
> *
>
> she stands on our back veranda
> like a baglady on holiday
> rake-thin
> drying her hair
> rolling a smoke before
> telling stories of
> all the filth
> she has to deal with
> on a daily basis
>
> *
>
> 'You don't realise how much floor surface we have until you mop it, do you.'
>
> 'Now you know how housewives feel.'
>
> 'Oh, not that again.'
>
> 'I was just saying …'
>
> *
>
> next door's mop
> doesn't smoke
>
> but does gymnastics on
> the clothes line
>
> spinning
> in the wind
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Andrew
> http://hispirits.blogspot.com/
> http://www.inblogs.net/hispirits
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/aburke/
>
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