Waiting for dust to Gather

I only iron for myself now
my blouses don't crease
and my skirts never crumple
but still i press them
with a hot iron
to the sound of background television
for reassurance.

The dishes never need cleaning
I eat takeaways
and sandwiches in the garden
crumbs gathering on the grass
for the birds to eat

the bed never needs changing
the sheets never dirty
the duvet is always made

I stand by my bookcase
fold my arms
and wait for dust to gather