Clean Sweep

The inspiration for this poem…

Many of the poems in this collection I refer to as vintage since they sat for years on the floor of my office before I found the opportunity and courage to publish them. This poem came as I cut ties with childhood and prepared to move on into my adult life. It is proof that poetry was there every step of the way. Just like my dreams served to prepare me at night for what each day in this process would bring, poems kept appearing in the day to document the steps along the healing way. It illustrates the many ‘nooks and crannies’ that have to be swept out in such a process; it’s not just one magical sweep that occurs. This poem was first published in the literary magazine, Pearl: Volume 39, in 2008 (before closing in 2014). The editors in their acceptance letter explained that they chose this poem as it represented something they didn’t often see which was a fresh way to look at a final good-bye. Even though it was small they called it “mighty” in its small way. That meant a lot as a newly publishing poet to hear from a place with its reputation at the time. Especially for one with no training or pretense, just a simple poem straight from the heart.

Writing/Meditation Prompts:

• What is it that needs a ‘clean sweep’ out of your life?

• Is there something that you have swept out, but not out of every ‘nook and cranny’ (that means every little crevice!)?

• All of the places mentioned in this poem were the places where remnants were hiding out that needed sweeping out for me (closet, garage, driveway, shed, garden, air, and phone). Where are all the places you have to give the ‘clean sweep’ to?

• What will you fill those places with now?

• Can you create something ‘fresh and mighty’ in a small package? Where will you choose to share/publish it?