Iron (November)

But before anything else (school, bills, calls) there’s the ironing. Curve the collar, smooth the sleeves, prow between the buttons. She has time to think of anything else (himself, themselves, health). Lengthen the leg, contour the fly, impress the seams. Steam the see-through, press the support, bip the toes. She stands at a lit window at night looking out at anything else. Uncrinkle the skirt, refine the line, highlight design. Hiss this, flatten that, more of the other. The window’s one in a loose constellation on the hillside. Square the handkerchiefs, finalise their folds, ready for November pollen. Anything else?