I was ambitious
I told my husband
by the end of the week
the piles on the stairs are too high
and there is too much broccoli
on the floor
it’s become absurd
we agree
I try to start small
in one corner
but when I get down low
I see the art supplies
under the couch
with the plates
that don’t fit
in our cupboard
and just like that
I am beaten
the house has won
I am too outnumbered
by objects that have a purpose
but no place
so I do what I always do
when my will sags
in tired protest
I make tea
and I sit
letting serenity interrupt me
until my weariness thaws
and I come
to life again.