Dusting

“Dusting” offers up a meditation on the chore of dusting, and its connection to the greater cosmos. Dusting is tiresome work, but the speaker describes this humdrum activity as a marvel. Their observations show the extraordinary that exists in the everyday, as well as help them realize they too participate in this wonder.

The poem is written in the form of praise or prayer, much like a hymn, and is directed to a greater presence that resides outside of the speaker, perhaps God, or another spiritual entity. The speaker is in the dreary act of cleaning, but then begins to meditate on the object of this task, emphasizing their gratitude for the motes of “dust” (Lines 18, 21). They describe the “dust” (Lines 18, 21) in a way that acknowledges its variety, centering on how the specks contain things that cannot be viewed by the human eye, since they are “submicroscopic” (Line 7). Some of things include hard, tangible substances like “tiny / particles of ocean salt” (Lines 1-2). Others are “viruses” (Line 3), acid molecules that cannot be seen but can multiply within a living host, stringing themselves together like a “pearl-necklace” (Line 3). Further, there are “winged protozoans” (Line 4), or small single-celled animals that are too small to be seen by the light of microscopes. These all come in shapes that are “infinite” (Line 5) and “intricate” (Line 6). The sense of awe is helped by words that suggest both the potential of treasure, as in “pearl-necklace” (Line 3), and heavenly flight, implied by “winged” (Line 4). Further, there is a sense with the word “infinite” (Line 5) that this act has repercussions that are greater than the simple moment’s work.

In the second stanza, the speaker continues to imagine the power inherent in dusting. The speaker is grateful to the higher force for creating “algae spores / and fungus spores” (Lines 9-10) which are also contained in “dust” (Lines 18, 21). They note, with awe, the “bonded vital / mutual genetic cooperation” (Lines 11-12) of these “spores” (Lines 9, 10) which engage in a symbiotic relationship, one that benefits each other. Alga is a rootless aquatic plant, while fungi are spore-producing organisms like mold and mushrooms. Biologically, the fungi assist “algae” (Line 9) in the absorption of water, while the “algae” (Line 9) provide food to fungi. “Fungi” (Line 10) lack chlorophyll, but the “algae” (Line 9) allow them to absorb light, which in turn allows for their growth. They are indeed “inseparable” (Line 14). The speaker repeats their emphasis on the “infinite” (Line 5) here by noting that the spores “sprea[d] their / inseparable lives” (Lines 13-14) in a vast manner, “from equator to pole” (Line 15). This alludes to the large circumference of the entire globe, by referencing its bisecting latitude and longitude lines. The “spores” (Lines 9, 10), the motes, cover everything. This is not only an interesting biological fact, but it also suggests that a minuscule daily activity like dusting might, too, share global repercussions. In consequence, the speaker and their task become important and noteworthy. The dusting, it is implied, is symbiotic, too.

The speaker continues to clean, “my hand, my arm, / make sweeping circles” (Lines 16-17). This is a clear rendering of the physical motion of cleaning, which is mundane and earthbound. However, the next line indicates that there is a magical sense, or even holiness, attached to this simple task. “Dust climbs the ladder of light” (Line 18), the speaker tells the reader, describing how the “dust” (Line 18) appears in a stream of sunlight. This description of ascending gives a sense of a blessing coming from above. It also suggests that the task doer is engaged in a sort of holy work sending the “dust” (Line 18) toward the “light” (Line 18). Therefore, despite “this infernal, endless chore” (Line 19), the speaker can “thank” (Lines 1, 21) the higher power for allowing them to become part of the greater good. The motes “climb” (Line 18) to heaven or the sky. Scientifically, for there to be “rain” (line 20), water droplets in clouds must condense around a nucleus, generally a small bit of dirt, or “dust” (Line 18). These then gather to ultimately fall and nourish the plants on earth. The idea here is that through “infernal, endless” (Line 19) repetitive work, there may be the “seeds” (Line 20) for some growth. These “seeds” (line 20) are “eternal” (Line 20), or everlasting, because they will feed the “spores” (Lines 9, 10) and the process will continue in a loop. Suddenly, the very human speaker is participating as an “infinite” (Line 5) part of the “intricate” (Line 6) plan. This makes the speaker a disciple not just to the act of cleaning, but to the act of providing the world with sustenance.

The speaker’s meditation on an everyday chore, and on the sort of domestic work that is often undervalued in society, implies that even the very smallest particle, or most looked over person, has a role to play in the continuity of life.