each to his own tasks

when the water heater blows.

i shrug.

seventeen years.

a good run.

i pull the valve to close

the water.

i throw towels

onto the floor,

i mop the deck.

i call the plumber.

i write the check

and leave

it blank upon the counter.

he comes and finds

the key

beneath the mat.

it's a long day for him.

but it's what he does.

and me,

i have my own tasks

to tend to.