-after Semisonic

The dryer always needs
a bit more time.

Touch the flushed towels,
swear that they are done
only to find, when they’ve cooled off,
they’re still damp.

Quarter after quarter fed
until you give up,
close enough, and
balance the load on your hip

as you turn to go, the heat
radiating through you.
These rituals linger
long after you close the door,

someone else already loading
the machine you just left.