2013 ELIZABETH GRAEME
AWARD IN POETRY

RUNNER UP

Matthew Kolosick
CB East High School

Laundry

Have you ever been to a laundromat? Walked through double doors to rows of silver fed beasts set to devour? At least they're kind enough to return their food Though it comes sodden and chewed Like a mother bird feeding its baby. Though this mother has but one child, And it is stranded, huddled between its fellow orphans. Relying on you for sustenance. Have you ever been to a laundromat? Sat down and watched your clothes Cycle up then down, wet then dry? Asked yourself why it is we only handle them when they're wet? And spend the whole time protecting ourselves behind glass doors? Have you ever washed clothes by hand? Hung them out spaced and tall? Watched the fabrics as they dry in time with your hands? Just twine and wood and water Bringing out a silver shine in the flesh of your palms. But you get to keep this silver Even though it comes and goes with the basket And the washbasin where you rescue the clothes from drowning, Then proceed to hang them by their necks High above. A warning for all to see.