Did you find my sox?

"Did you find my sox?"
Turning from the washer, I knew that anything lost
Could not have dropped
From the possession of this soiled-stained human dross.

The dryers stood open;
Not used for hours except by me, and some
By another: a woman,
Who likewise turned, and took in the bum.

Without hesitation she said,
"You must have left a whole load in here,"
Sorting out some of hers.
Later, she'd explain how they had disappeared.

He wavered a breath-time
Then gathered the clothes she laid in his hands,
And walked out with clearer eyes.
The lady turned from the man & folded up some pants.

LMC April 18, 2009