Labor That Uplifts

I wasn’t meant for trash. In the aisle next to mops, I dreamed of more.

After examining the options, a customer selected me. I was hopeful, but then she also chose a dustpan.

At home, she placed the dustpan in the closet, leaned me against a wall, and answered a call.

I surveyed the floor - Cheerios under the table, rice on the floor, leaves at the doorway. Resigned, I’d do my job well, with dignity.

She hung up, quickly grabbed her coat, hat … and me! Running out, she straddled me and leapt into the sky.

Finally, I was flying!

Karama Neal writes and thrives in the Lower Mississippi River Watershed. Online at karamaneal.com