I refuse to do the vacuuming when you are out, my dear

even though it is infinitely quicker without a toddler.

Though there is a kind of satisfaction in making things clean,

such tasks are never complete, but cyclical and ever renewing.
Even though it is infinitely quicker without a toddler

I prefer to go the long way around, see the twist and meander.

Such tasks are never complete, but cyclical and ever renewing

dust gathers on the sill, mould blooms in the vegetable drawer.
I prefer to go the long way around, see the twist and meander,

we do the dance of avoidance, weaving untouched bodies.

Dust gathers on the sill, mould blooms in the vegetable drawer

presence builds thick in places, how ancient sheep paths wear threadbare.
We do the dance of avoidance, weaving untouched bodies.

Because I refuse to waste one single drop of silence

presence builds thick in places, how ancient sheep paths wear threadbare

because there is a certain ripening in grime and un-showered bodies.  
Because I refuse to waste one single drop of silence

Your midnight waking will never find me washing dishes

Because there is a certain ripening in grime and un-showered bodies

I refuse to do the vacuuming when you are out, my dear.