Today like many in lockdown I cleaned the flat,
...why did I plump cushions on sofas not Sat upon
Wipe surfaces and polished where dust had yet to recollect,
polish mirrors and look in already tidied places
Not from boredom
No I have much to do
But just in case I want to feel
That no one will come after
And say she was a terrible housekeeper
So towels were changed
Colours coordinated
Scented bin liners to no real end
Were placed in bins in a room I am not using
To gather their own dust
To be cleaned or changed
When the anxiety about
What may never happen
Comes back...I blame my mother
Clean underwear in case of an accident
Don't leave the washing up undone
What would happen if you died
And someone had to clean
And dust and polish every trace of you away.....