IRONING, NOT IRONYZING

Dahlia Tera

Among the various domestic chores
That competes with me,
Among dusting, sweeping, washing,
Tidying up, cooking, sewing……
That is not really my ‘cups of tea’,
Ironing is surely what I prefer,
Indeed, I can say that … I like it!

Ironing is neat and clean:
‘Working’ with freshly laundered and dried
Clothes and linens that still taste of soap,
Or the smell of grass, of air, if living in the countryside.
I feel like sticking my nose inside,
I take the pieces gently.

Ironing is quiet and still;
The iron is a silent tool
That just spits steam sometimes.
I’m used to ironing on a board
Not on the normal table.
Board is foldable, so I can settle
Where I want…. in a quiet corner of the home.
Some friends iron from sitting,
I prefer standing, I feel handier.

Ironing is satisfying and pleasant.
It makes me happy seeing the heap of things going down.
It makes me happy thinking I’m ironing for others:
Someone will feel good, wearing a clean ironed shirt,
And I will feel good seeing my beautiful daughter
In her school uniform perfectly pressed.

Ironing is generous;
Because it gives me time
For thinking, singing, even meditating, reflecting,
For watching a movie on television,
For listening to songs I love,
For talking or being silent… maybe dreaming
Or ‘meeting’ distant people I love;
A moment for myself…

Ironing is aesthetic, almost artistic.
It requires precision skills
And also a kind of creativity in making the right gestures.
It is not just technique:
You choose how to fold, you give a movement.
You put feelings inside…

Ironing is also relaxing;
Because not physically demanding.
Just in the company of my thoughts and feelings
It is a good moment for me…

Experiencing that not all housework is unpleasant;
Some can be real ‘cups of tea’.
I like ironing……

And, often, it is not so much what you do that matters
But with what mood you do it…….
Then you find virtue in almost all things…