Suburban Sphinx

 

I shall become a suburban Sphinx...
mad alter ego of the moon
I shall become she who knows
ritual de-stain and prewash,
banishing painty white spirit
from pristine clothing, whence
it was tipped.

I shall become the filofax Oracle
consulted in domestic emergency.
My witchcraft shall be peddled
in poisonous potions
with slick, innate ability to
make all things clean.

I shall live dangerously,
savouring my vicarous Amway pleasures
of pressings and starchings...
no longer ridiculed and mocked as
the woman who can't manage
her own laundry day.

 

Pauline Masurel:October 2002