DUST when you MUST

An inspirational poem written by Rose Milligan of Lancaster, England.
The poem was first published in 1998 on 'The Lady' Magazine.

I can't tell you how many countless hours that I have spent CLEANING!

I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect - "in case someone came over". Then I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!

Now, when people visit, I find no need to explain the "condition" of my home.. They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was away living life and having fun. If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice.

Life is short. Enjoy it! Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture, write a letter, bake a cake or plant a seed, ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind.

And when you go - and go you must - you, yourself will make more dust!

Share this with all the wonderful people in your life!

It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

Dust if you must, but there's not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.

And remeber:  "A house becomes a home  when you can write "I love you" on the furniture."

Inspirational Poem: Dust if you must