the old paper

in short wet strips
the wallpaper slowly comes down
under the weight of
a broad knife
and my arm and wrist
that push it away from
the wall. red and blue
paper with small white anchors
wraps around the room.
a nautical theme prevails.
thus the stuffed fish
on the mantle,
the oak steering wheel
hanging over the window.
a good idea at the time,
in nineteen eighty four.
how quickly the bags fill.
the walls turning a milky
white, ready for what's
next.