Vacuum

The miscellany of years is like a vacuum
that sucks up
what is left of our dreams:

things that are best left forgotten,
boxed gems
that require but a rubbing to gleam.

Flaked skin mixed with dust and hair
is simply waiting
for the mop to dust under our chairs,

under beds, atop book shelves; awaiting
the life
that is no longer there.

AgingSuzi Peel