Six months is a long time to plan and execute a household move. That is how long I have been at this. A move involves so much more than a change of address. The accompanying life changes—routines, sounds, spatial differences, even smells—all contribute to the complexity. In all my many previous moves, there has never been so much at stake or so much mental and physical stress. Especially the last three weeks, as one house was emptied and abandoned, while another house underwent structural changes and repairs before being occupied.
Then just as all the boxes arrived, my body cried, “Stop!”
I wrote a poem for the first time in weeks.
After Packing My Life into Boxes and Moving to a New House
Celeste
It is not the stacks of boxes
or the wrapped plates and cups
waiting to take their place
on the clean, empty shelves
the chairs stacked against a wall
or the naked mattress that needs sheets
the real work of moving is getting
out of bed each morning to unclasp
the stiffness that took hold as I slept
and ease the muscles that were bested
in yesterday’s boxing match
where I wrestled with my body
like I do every day–
She, no longer willing
to do what She is told
without protest and argument,
defiance and disobedience.
After all these adventures together
I wonder that She thinks
She has to yell and scream
to get my attention
as though like an old
married couple we are
afraid of losing each other.
* * * *“So now,” I said to myself, “you will just have to lower your expectations, practice the art of patience, and celebrate each emptied box whenever that happens.”
One of my greatly anticipated joys for this move is the art studio space I now have. At the moment, it is full of unopened boxes, tables, unassembled easels.
Three weeks ago I was painting in Pennsylvania with artist Marianne Mitchell. While there, I started painting on canvas, which I typically do not use. This is a beginning, by applying many transparent layers of acrylic paint. I am looking forward to getting back to my studio to continue working on this one.
Although I have traveled this road many times before, it feels new and fresh even now. Wishing you safe travels on your path, wherever it leads you. Thank you for reading my words and pictures this week. I welcome your comments! Celeste
One more thing to think about:
That room of boxes, holding the art of past, present and future - so much potential that will still be there when your body is ready.
Hang in there, Celeste. And thank you for sharing this.
Wishing you ease and joy as you arrange your new living environment, Celeste! My body recognizes itself in your poem.