Caretaker's Diary

Today I have poured pearly pink soap into small plastic buckets
Screwed a cardboard sunflower to a bench
Swept rice and peas from beneath a hundred tiny feet
And broke a chair

Today I have carried boxes that were too heavy and fixed cupboard locks with superglue
Opened a packet of Maryland cookies
Decided it’s a three-squirrel day
And winced at the screech of metal on metal

Today I have become popular, if popularity is being asked to do stuff
Heard small voices questioning my gender
Hung bicycle wheels from a suspended ceiling
And mopped up a puddle of wee

Today I have missed the bus, but wasn’t late

Today I opened the door to the roof

Today I discovered a dish of pins

Tonight . . .
Tonight I need to make this a poem.

 

September 2026

 

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