I love the hurried cover-up
when people visit our house,
like we vacuum floors everyday
or, likewise, empty the trash.

We don’t live in squalor,
but if dishes sit on the coffee table
one extra day, or three, nobody
fusses. What I’m saying is,
it’s safe to have dinner with us,
but don’t bring your white gloves.

But you’d never know it from how
Emily is sweeping down the steps,
and for who? The new cat sitter.
Let’s face it. She’s gonna snoop
once we’re gone, and that Swiffer
won’t hide what she’s aching to find.