Spring Cleaning
As the last frost melts away,
Homes awaken from winter's stay.
Out with old, in with new,
Spring's renewal, memories too.
Windows open, laughter's breeze,
Curtains dance, sunlit ease.
Every corner, floor to rafter,
Shadows chased, gloom thereafter.
Closets cleared, secrets out,
Old letters kissed, no doubt.
Spaces breathe, delight in air,
Under clear sky's watchful care.
In this cleansing, more than dust,
Old dreams, wishes, stirred and just.
A time to let go, hearts mend,
Spring cleaning, a new beginning, not just an end.
Meaning
“Spring Cleaning” delves into the transformative power of the traditional springtime ritual of cleaning and decluttering. Beyond the physical act of tidying and refreshing our living spaces, it symbolizes a deeper emotional and psychological renewal. The poem reflects on how this process allows us to revisit and release the past—represented by dusted-off memories, old letters, and the decluttering of spaces—making room for new beginnings and healing. It celebrates the cathartic effect of spring cleaning, not just as a seasonal task, but as a vital step towards personal clarity and renewal.
Inspirations Behind
The inspiration for “Spring Cleaning” came from my own yearly ritual of decluttering and cleaning my space with the arrival of spring. I’ve always found this process to be incredibly therapeutic, a physical manifestation of the internal changes I wish to make. As I sift through old belongings, I’m often struck by how objects can hold so much memory and emotion, and how letting go of them can feel like a release of past burdens. This poem is a reflection on that experience, exploring the duality of cleaning as both an end and a beginning, a physical and emotional journey towards lightness and renewal.