My dwelling is filled with clutter, from the past and present. As I clean the house, I realize that mold has found a safe haven in this cluttered house, the same house I’ve lived in all my life. The clutter, which once sparkled like polished silverware, is now engulfed within layers of dust, dust that could easily print my name.
It’s 4 a.m., and I’m awake, trying to declutter. I take a look at the flower vase by the windowsill. At the bottom of it, there’s a crack. I’ve always wondered why my beautiful lilies and daffodils withered so quickly. They were deprived of water because of a well-hidden crack at the bottom of the vase. Oh dear! Didn’t the vase shine on the outside and attract compliments from my visitors? It was once a beautiful vase that has now become clutter in my house over time. As I turn around, I see mold protruding over fresh paint like Pinocchio, choking me. I quickly open the double-glazed windows that I always keep shut for some air. How did I allow my house to become like this for so long, I ask myself.
The clutter, dust, and mold clogged up my stairs. As the air ran through the house, the dust moved majestically, covering my face. I couldn’t see, and my eyes teared up, unsure if it was both dust from the past or present as it hid in corners I could not reach. I pushed through the jumble and noticed a few cuts on my hands, the clutter that cut my hands as I tried to rearrange and polish, yielding very little pleasure. I’ve lived in a cluttered house and have become the custodian of dust and mold that I’m now trying to straighten up.
I will open the windows of my house to allow the dust out, and for the mold, no fresh coat of paint will be applied — I’ll let it dry out.
It’s 5 a.m., and I feel a winter breeze on my face through the open window that has been shut for a long time. I breathe.
In hindsight, the mold, clutter, and dust have found unauthorized residence in my dwelling. As I take in the soothing breeze, I realize I am my own housekeeper.
Sipping a cup of tea, I contemplate how my dwelling is going to be kept, the coming and going, the furniture and residence holistically considered, by my own housekeeper.