-the art of setting the scene-

there was a quiet, or better said,
reserved tenacity to my mother
in the ways of setting the interior scene,
the diligent arrangement of physical space, 

the adroitness in the art of layering,

the calm technique of folding cloth
and the urgency displayed 
when making-up beds in the morning
while they still retained a lingering warmth
from the long night's sleep.

when detailing, the figurative knick-knack

was held within her graceful palm while deciding
where the piece would best be placed for optimum viewing
and when the destination was determined, as upon the mantle,

a doily was set in place,

then a small teacup-type saucer was placed
atop the doily, then the glossy figurine
was set in place upon the saucer

resting on the doily laid upon the mantle.

reflecting, and I'm not certain, but I believe
she once started making-up my bed
beginning at the foot while I was still asleep.

schoolday or not, "wake up"
meant "wake up right now" at our house.

then the recurring story of laundered socks
was told whenever the dresser drawers were opened
and the socks were seen laid-out, folded like crêpes,

never the pairs tucked into themselves forming
piles in textile bladders which she perceived as vulgar
and an insult to her common labors.

here’s another thing:

I was told early in life that after the flies
were snuffed-out beneath the wire mesh of the swatter,
I should clean-up the residue on the counter with toilet paper
and NOT the dishrag neatly folded over the faucet at the kitchen sink

and if some such procedures were followed at your house, I'd say
your mother was as tenacious in the art of setting the scene as my mother.

                                                                                    Quequechan