Spring Cleaning (A Duet)

 

Since you left, the stuff you left

just makes me feel sad and bereft;

and so it’s time to clean the house

farewell to you, my former spouse.

 

The air is fresh, the grass is wet

this is the season we first met;

the birds return; the rabbits, too —

each spring I always think of you.

 

I scrubbed the bathroom spic and span —

your hair’s now in the garbage can;

your loofah and your dental floss

I never want to come across.

 

The neighbors do their gardening

as we divide the furnishings;

the breeze is sweet, the grass is wet

of course the children were upset.

 

It’s great to see the flowers grow

of course all of the neighbors know;

the temperature is getting mild

it’s time to get the papers filed.

 

Look in the fridge, what did I find

but condiments you left behind;

the mustard and the mayonnaise —

reminders of our better days.

 

It was a lovely life we had —

perhaps I’ll post a craigslist ad;

perhaps I’ll buy a me a houseplant

to love me since it’s sure you can’t.

 

The sun is warm, the grass is mowed

it’s time our marriage hit the road;

the wind is soft, the sky is blue

who knows how much the children knew.

 

I’ll save a lot come your birthday

with less crap I will throw away;

this is the season we first kissed

the same one we got divorced.