Summary

In "One Day," the speaker sings a song about growing old. It will happen suddenly, perhaps while doing laundry. The "sheets, the pillowcases" remind the speaker of spring, weddings, and a time when her mind sang "like a backup group" (103). Eventually, her eyes, mouth, and spine will change too. Perhaps she will gain wisdom with age, though she knows she will be forgotten. Today, she searches for wisdom in the garden. She only finds dirt, roots, and stones (104). Dying is like opening a door and walking inside.

In "Sad Utensils," the speaker imagines certain implements without their necessary companions. She wonders about words no one uses anymore, like "reft" and "asunder" (105). They were once necessary, like binoculars for war (105).

In "Winter Vacations," the speaker remarks at the rapid passage of time. She lists all the things humans will leave behind. Her ancestors left things...