don't ask me where this came from/i won't be offended if you pretend you don't know me

Less than ten,
More like five rhythmic minutes of kitchen sweeping--
Away! Gritty layer of weeks!

    She’s  feeling a bit like Walt Whitman or some sea-grizzled captain.

Less than five,
More like two steady minutes of back and forth
Capture of hallway carpet dirt.

    Singlehandedly, she’s taking hostage the pine needles.

No sense in delay,
Her shoulder complains
To prepare for later and louder laments.

    Needles and grit overboard!  All hands to deck!  Blindfold ‘er,
    Let ‘er follow the scum!