I did the laundry today.

I finally did the laundry,

and I found myself wondering

why so many people (and I’m not excluded)

feel themselves longing for a partner

like socks whose matches

have been lost to the abyss of the dryer.

I cleaned my room today.

I finally cleaned my room,

and I caught myself thinking about

how my mind is cluttered with rubbish

and the dirt of so many big and terrible things

that I am too young to worry about,

so young that it hurts.

I did the dishes today.

I finally did the dishes,

and in their shiny surfaces

I saw myself, and I began pondering

why being beautiful is so important

that some even give up their health

to be looked at, desired, and loved.

I fed my cat today.

I finally fed my cat (I promise I don’t neglect him)

after a few of his loud, cute cries,

and I furrowed my brow as I contemplated

how he and I might have a lot in common,

because we both get excluded

and find it hard to connect with others.

I did my chores today.

I finally did my chores,

but as I did, I felt musings float in my head

on what they can tell us about the nature of being human.