ONE DISH AT A TIME
An old-fashioned housework rhyme (with CONTENT & TRIGGER WARNINGS for self-harm & cussing) that almost functions as a now-i-lay-me-down-to-sleep-style prayer to get through it
Just two of the long solid good forks
And two of the super cheap spoons
Keep counting them down for tomorrow
Good enough as the dishwater cools.
Keep counting the fingerrubs add up
Not perfect just do the next one
Just one more good fork for insurance
In case one of them falls to the floor.
Now stare down the line of the counter
Three sections, the stove, then one more
2.5 out of four isn’t half bad
Stack these plates up and free one half more.
Lots still dirty but the drainboard is stacked up
With so much I’ve already done
I know that they won’t all get finished
But I still have some time for just one:
Just one more motherfucking butterknife.
Just one more sticky-ass pan.
Just one more cracked plastic tumbler.
All part of this never-ending plan
To make things a little bit easier
For the next day we get out of bed
Clean mugs set on THIS square of counter
For caffeine to sweep out both our heads.
I feel like my back’s fucking breaking
I squirt piss when I sneeze anymore
Should make time for pilates and yoga
But I’d just want to lie on the floor.
Somebody please give me permission
Cover windows and triple-lock doors
Ignore every dumb notification
For today just not one fucking more.
Not one fucking more dirty saucepan
Not one more fake-ass emoji
Reassuring our friends and my family
I’m not thinking about rope and a tree.
For today though I’m not going to go there
For tonight I will get through the pain
I’ll dump out this dirty dishwater
Watch it circle and slide down the drain.
About the Creator
P. M. Starr
I love reading and writing for pleasure, comfort, and creating introvert sanctuaries.
Top-tier contender for all-time favorite book: Lizard Music by D. Manus Pinkwater
Early influences: Judy Blume, Ray Bradbury, (real) V. C. Andrews
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Comments (1)
Very interesting poem. I can relate to some of your thoughts. Great writing. I can appreciate the originality.