That's the Way the Wind Blows

That's the Way the Wind Blows I hadn't planned to do my wash today
but rain last night had scrubbed the sky,
then rinsed the leaves and hung them out to dry.
Now gusty winds have chased the clouds away.
My linens, shirts, and dresses soon are pinned
outdoors in brilliant sun and loitering wind.
And how I laugh to see one joking breeze,
before it scurries home, has filled the sleeves,
ballooning them as if to wave farewell.
Farewell! Farewell! I smile, then ponder
sleep tonight on air-dried sheets,
with heady smell like new-mown hay.
– Jean Chapman Snow