stand

a poem

Vintage ads Bruce Floor Products 1948

Stand stock still
Ears attuned
Legs poised to spring

Listen as you stand
 hear his car door
 hear his keys turning
 hear his footsteps
  stand, do not sit 

     If you are spotted
      Sitting screams laziness

Clean as you stand
 straighten the mess
 straighten the chaos
 straighten the memories

     If you are spotted
      Cleanliness is next to godliness

Cook as you stand
 feed his hunger
 feed his need
 feed his ego

     If you are spotted
      Food is the best distraction

Eat as you stand
 chew your nails
 chew your hair
 chew with your mouth closed

     If you are spotted
      you are already burning calories

Drink as you stand
 swallow your appetite
 swallow your words
 swallow your hard pills
  with only water

     If you’re startled
      water doesn’t stain the carpet
     And if you’re startled
      you’ll already be standing 

Have an apology ready
Hands flexed to shield
Legs poised to spring

© Ashlan Isadore McHugh 2019