Two Part Story

I.

It's a story about Turtle Wax,

half-used container

kicking around the garage as a kid.

Protagonist: suds mitt made of sheep's wool.

Antagonist: microfiber mitt, bright orange.

It's over before it's started, cell phone ringing

in Target.

Then a planned escape

via bath rugs, No. 2 pencils, and shoes.

II.

I am the person standing

in place of the person who is standing.

She inhales words,

and exhales,

brown tub ring

around the fine porcelain tub

that is us.