p. 122
1. Housecleaning
after returning
all the tools I borrowed
from neighbors and friends
and the books to the library
I am amazed to find
so many things around the house
like you
that really belong here
I had thought
you were on loan and overdue
the fines were mounting into millions
I could never pay them
so for twenty-five years
I looked everyone straight in the eyes
pretending you were mine
and I kept you
Oh, I love this one. The comparison is so unusual—his wife to an overdue library book. I think he’s saying he’s always known he doesn’t deserve her, but wonder of wonders—she’s given herself! A gift and not a debt he’ll never be able to repay. I just laugh at the last three lines—he’s so sweetly self-satisfied with his brazenness in claiming her.
