Thank you for always showing up.

Even when you’re least expected.

Thank you for your constant enthusiasm –

For really putting in the time,

To ensure I don’t have to sit too long

before you work your magic again.

For your sprinkling of dirty socks

In hidden corners and beneath beds.

Tucked into sofas or dog’s mouths –

Any place other than the laundry basket.

For your love of clothes everywhere

Strewn across floors and in little piles,

Encouraging me to trod carefully

Lest I break an ankle tripping arse over tit.

Thank you for your love of the chase –

Around the house, picking up every last piece,

Of nerf gun bullets, goldfish packets and Sprite cans

Lovingly littered by the young and carefree.

Thank you for your gusto

For the crumbs strewn across the carpet,

The slime mashed under my feet.

For all the crumpled wrappers, tossed so gaily at your backside.

Thank you for your disregard of boring items,

Like magic sponges, dusters and vacuums,

For your ability to gloss over a well mopped floor

Without a care for wasting time on such trivial things.

Thank you for showing me there’s more to life than a clean slate.

A goal that really only lasts around 26 minutes,

Before you sweep through again

And joyfully wreak havoc where order once stood.

Yes, Dear Mess,

Thank you again for daily reminder

Of a happy life well lived and loved.