Cleaning for Company

I just noticed that the top of washing machine
is grey, with streaks of dried dishwashing liquid
crusted over with dust and dog hair.
There are occasional rabbit pellets scattered
across the frayed carpeting, and the kitchen
floor has fossilized raisin bran once soaked
in milk peeking out from under the stove.
The top of the dresser by the front door
is covered with unopened mail and open
seed packets and the dishwasher provides
horizontal storage space for hand lotion, a
Warriors for Peace poster secured with my
blue neck gator, a small ceramic gnome
and countless other, essential treasures.
What would the guests think if they were
to see such a mess, except to feel relieved
that everyone else lives just like them.