Vacuuming

Vacuuming

The moment the vacuum
Comes out of the closet
Two dogs get the jitters
Like caffeine addicts
Kicking coffee
Their eyes plead, “Let me out!”
As they dance at the back door.

Cornering like Nascar drivers
Two cats streak at
The speed and blur of shooting stars
Heading for closets to hide.
Husband sits mesmerized
With his PC screen.

The old Kenmore roars to life
As vacuuming commences.
Dead flies, live spiders
Enough cream Himalayan fur
To knit a sweater.
Like magic,
The gold-brown hassock
Relinquishes the haze of Siamese shedding
And resumes its gold-brown coloring.

The carpet is eradicated of
Stiff gray dingo hair.
Short black Rottie contributions
Cling desperately,
Statically,
To linoleum flooring.
Circling the husband’s chair,
No movement there.

Vacuuming complete
Each pet reclaims their favorite haunt
And there is peace,
As well as cleanliness,
Once more.