Winding in the lead on a Henry vacuum cleaner;
its silky movement reminiscent of
a whipping snake or spiralling whirlpool.

The satisfying pleasure of plunging the plunger
on a cafetiere, believing that this triggers
a dramatic chimney stack collapse.

The mutual suspense and thrill when casting a handful
of dice upon the table with a group
of friends and waiting for the outcome.

Cooking porridge in the microwave
and, like the bear in the fairy story, getting
the delicious texture ‘just right’.

A line of verse falling on the page
and landing poised and perfectly rhymed from birth.
It rarely happens but when it does…

So often childlike eyes, like Narnia’s wardrobe,
can unlock the doors to a world that otherwise hides
hidden behind our hanging coats.

Vacuuming after foodbank today, we discovered the shared joy of winding in the vacuum cleaner lead. I was challenged to write a poem about it… This one’s for you Jasmine!
(22.01.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Pete from Liverpool, UK – Project 365 #170: 190613 A New Arrival, Public Domain, Link