Green Carpet

soaking wet, stained black
by many years back and forth,
hanging clothes, seeking
screwdrivers and lightbulbs
hidden by darkness in
unsteady shelving, broken
drawers, or strewn across
the carpet, which is still green
behind its dark filthiness.
this morning we roll it up,
he hefts it up onto his shoulder
to take it to the dumpster,
as quickly shedding his soiled
clothing in the washing machine,
removing all memory of the
green carpet.