Laundering at Home

// Elizabeth Kate Switaj

         if you don’t try to separate
you’ll always be alone — these clothes, these colors

aren’t enough — you must consider

texture — protein

will break down in this soap & heat

         you have to get this right — & know the balance

of polyester to cotton

                                                               of divers fabrics

we call this love yourself before you can be loved

and choose the cycle right

and don’t forget the dryer versus sun

versus draped over steam

clanking radiator — melody enough

no need to sing, no need to hum

alone if you want to change

                                                               o let this be enough

         it’s not — witness

holes in your t-shirt, faded dress

and worse, the hair of every soft

animal you’ve ever loved

                                     you won’t let go alone
Previous
Wash
Summer/Fall 2026
Next