Spring Fever

In the past
our castles were cleared
of dishes crusted wishes
carpets beaten
half to death
choking on discovered dust
scent of soap and cedar
the manic act of spring
cleaning fever
ritual banishment of winter's taint
covered by paint
pagan yet purely
ecclesiastical ambition
the ailment that arrives
like an allergy each year
has taken on a torpor
lethargy
replacing lather
cupboards stay disordered
drawers unlined
mattresses lie unturned
and walls unwashed
we have better things to do
like lying
in the brand new sun