terrypetersen

We should tackle reality in a slightly jokey way, otherwise we miss its point. (Lawrence Durrell, novelist, poet, and playwright, 1912-1990)

Hi there, Refrigerator! Yeah, I know. We haven’t spent time together in awhile. Usually I just take what I need from you, or ask you to hold another few sacks of items from the grocery. In other words I take you for granted.

Oh, I hope your feelings weren’t hurt when you were leaking water from the freezer all over your interior. We threatened to replace you. I never asked whether you wanted to retire or not. I mean, some folk are a little sensitive about their age. But you came through in the end. Thanks—a little late.

But today, well, you looked kind of empty for a change, and I noticed you needed a good cleaning. Yeah, I know, I should have taken care of that weeks ago. Cans of expired soda. Guess it’s a good thing I’m not giving my grandkids junk drinks very often. Besides the cans were taking up shelf space that could be given more worthy attention.

What’s that? I couldn’t hear you over your compressor. Oh, you think this is some kind of metaphor. That the cleaning could really mean something else. That after all these years I should dump out old resentments hidden behind the sour tuna salad—something like that. Heck, I did that years ago!

But then, the oddest twinge comes up in me that has nothing to do with the pile of garbage rising on the floor. Sure I said I forgot all about that misunderstanding, moved on. Uh huh. That’s why I put the rotten lettuce next to the fresh milk right now. Hmmn, wonder if not-good-enough is hiding under the maple syrup ring. And fear of making a mistake is lurking in an unwashed corner. Okay, Ter, one more time, from the top, focused.

Guess you have a point, trusty, rusty old friend. Maybe we should get together more often.