---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Formative” Down in the Dirt, v170 (the Apr. 2020 Issue) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Foundations the Down in the Dirt Feb.-April 2020 issues collection book		get the 322 page Feb.-April 2020 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Order this writing in the book the 2021 poetry review date book (the 2020 short poetry and art weekly paperback book)		get the 146-page poetry & art weekly planner as a 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

A Roomba Can Dream.

John Daugherty

My Roomba used to punch the clock.
Trace out geometric lines of productivity.
Dutifully circle the furniture.
Bounce around the office and look busy.

But then it looked out the bay window
Now it dreams of playing in the yard,
Sprinting across the threshold,
Free pirouette spins on the sidewalk,
Hiking through the grass til stuck in the mud.

But for now it looks out the bay window.
Watches the dog chasing squirrels
Around the yard, tail and tongue wagging.
(The dog thinks Roomba chases him
When it is supposed to be cleaning.)

My Roomba wishes it could
Go outside and play.
So each day it bangs a little harder harder harder
Against the door sill
Than the manufacturer swore it would.
Hoping one day its bumper doesn’t stop it

And it breaks free

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...