we are things of dry hours and involuntary plan.......

    We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan,

    Grayed in, and gray. “Dream” makes a giddy sound, not strong

    Like “rent,” “feeding a wife,” “satisfying a man.”

    But could a dream send up through onion fumes   

    Its white and violet, fight with fried potatoes   

    And yesterday’s garbage ripening in the hall,   

    Flutter, or sing an ariaaria an elaborate song for one voice with orchestral accompaniment, appearing most often in opera (“aria” means “air” in Italian). down these rooms

    Even if we were willing to let it in,

    Had time to warm it, keep it very clean,   

    Anticipate a message, let it begin?

   We wonder. But not well! not for a minute!   

   Since Number Five is out of the bathroom now,   

   We think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it.

~ kitchenette building by Gwendolyn  Brooks