smells

Hm. I've been vaguely conscious of a half-felt adumbration of a smell in my kitchen area for the last couple of days. Today, with much sniffing, my suspicions drifted to the kitchen sink and drain of same. So first, bleach; then boiling water; then the plug in the plughole.

Definite improvement, I think. (The drains down the road have been smelling a bit recently, too. Possible link? Will wait and see.)

Will probably be heading over to Guernsey for my grandfather's funeral at short notice next week. Must broach this to my boss. Fortunately she is an understanding woman. (Well, I mean, tough luck for her if she wasn't, but she's a good boss and it will be easier than it might have been otherwise.)

---

The Waking

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

-- Theodore Roethke