Iron Bacteria
You just keep growing
Ever showing
My failure to keep up
Pink ring around the drain
I am full of self disdain
Why can't I do a simple task
Daily cleaning that never lasts
I want my home to be
A sanctuary
But it's fully unsanitary
Image Description: Expansive green algae blooms float on the surface of the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Ontario. Sections of clear water reflect the cityscape and sky. Buildings and trees are seen in the mirror smooth surface.
The inspiration for this one is quite straightforward. Cleaning around the faucet on my bathroom sick often gets procrastinated or valued lower than other tasks. I keep my kitchen area clean. I tidy up my bed and rinse the shower, but for some reason cleaning around the faucet is daunting. It ends up growing a nasty pink film that I believe is called iron bacteria. If I’m wrong feel free to enlighten me.
One day I was staring at the pink film frustrated and panicky about my failure to accomplish something that felt so incredibly basic. I channeled those feelings into this poem and am honestly thrilled with the results despite not being thrilled by the yick. And as a little victory, I’ve actually kept the bathroom sink largely clean since then. Right now it is pristinely white and calming.