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The Old Dishwasher
by
Phyllis Wax


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It throbs like the heart of a beast
in distress, bangs its porcelain bones,
gnashes its tinny teeth, struggling                              
against its destiny.

It wails and groans, all in a lather, on
and on.  Then it wheezes, tries to choke back
its agitation with spasmodic liquid sobs,
soon quiets, almost hums.  Opens its mouth
and exhales hot, steamy breath.                            

I understand just how it feels.

 

© by Phyllis Wax.
Used here with the author's permission.

 

 


Phyllis Wax writes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.  A lover of warm weather, she watches the snow come and go, waiting and hoping for spring. From the window in front of her desk, she observes an abundance of migrating birds, several generations of turkeys, and the occasional fox, deer, and raccoon. Some of those make their way into her poetry. Phyllis has read her poems on the radio, in coffee shops, in libraries and bars, and her work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies.

 


Post New Comment:
Wilda Morris:
You hit the nail on the head with another wonderful poem, Phyllis! Thanks for the smiles.
Posted 09/23/2015 02:28 PM
Jancan:
excellent poem on aging--enjoyed! Janice
Posted 09/19/2015 10:33 PM
Jo:
A good one, Phyllis. You got it right. Enjoyed reading it.
Posted 09/17/2015 09:28 PM
Lori Levy:
Great poem!
Posted 09/17/2015 04:42 PM
barbsteff:
Yay Phyllis! Spot-on poem about a dishwasher and its travail.
Posted 09/17/2015 03:48 PM
Barry:
Thanks for the laugh!!!!
Posted 09/17/2015 02:58 PM
TheSilverOne:
Hmmm...the old dishwasher..is ME! Enjoyed your poem, Phyllis. ~~~Doris Bezio
Posted 09/17/2015 11:57 AM
Sondy Squirrelly:
Very nice unique subject. The description of the old dishwasher's process one can hear it..."bang its porcelain bones". Love it.
Posted 09/17/2015 10:57 AM
paradea:
I absolutely love this!! Thanks, Phyllis Wax. A good way to start off the day!!
Posted 09/17/2015 08:17 AM
vscholtz:
I understand how you must feel. A clever and satisfying poem. thanks.
Posted 09/17/2015 06:39 AM
phebe.davidson@gmail.com:
New dishwashers aren't nearly this satisfying. Brava, Phyllis Wax!
Posted 09/17/2015 06:25 AM
KevinArnold:
Wonderfully controlled.
Posted 09/17/2015 06:04 AM
Ross Kightly:
I too feel much empathy with certain machines. But not with a car I once owned. Splendid poem, thank you.
Posted 09/17/2015 02:47 AM


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