Washing-up

living in the days of the week
tomorrow i put out the trash
at two i bring in the mail

breakfast dishes done
the washer churns.

he used to do his own laundry.
i'm doing this last load for him:
white polo, khakis, briefs, socks
that he wore to the hospital.

putting them away one last time.

no clothes or dishes or trash for him
anymore.
i stopped his mail.

warm scent wafts up from smoothed fabric,
soothes,
settles.
days chores all I have
useless in the grand design.
necessary.

the washer stops.
I have to feed the dryer.