Martha:
    Words do not the windows wash.

Mary:
     But words the weary soul can cleanse.

Martha:
    Words do not the dishes clean.

Mary:
    But words both time and fear suspend.

Martha:
    Silent contemplation bores.

Mary:
    Then go ahead–complete your chores.

Martha:
    But I am doing all the work!

Mary:
    And thus your nobler duty shirk.

Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.