by Linda
The house is clean
It gleams
Dust does not dare to settle on my windowsill
Chores are done and it’s still early morning
This used to cause joy, excitement
The feeling of freedom from have to and must do
The freedom to choose among many pleasant pastimes
But now there are no:
Lunches at 12
Meetings at 2
Parties at 6
Shopping trips
What’s left?
A different kind of freedom
I take my time tickling the cat’s belly
I pause to watch the birds peck at the feeder
And I track the progress of the green as it spreads across
My trees, shrubs, and flower beds
All seem happy, strong and sweet
And more beautiful than I have ever seen
Strangely, I am happy too!
I like this new freedom