Sparkling Coin Laundry Poem by Salvatore Ala

Juneau, Alaska


I washed my heart

At Sparkling Coin Laundry.

It washes people and place,

Forgives trespasses,

Cleans comings and goings

And trades in Indian Head coins.

Sails are washed,

Fishing nets and stars.

Hatchery workers

Rinse brine from their boots;

Mountain dwellers

Dry mountain clouds;

Raven and Eagle people

Shake out the wind.

A student studies his clothes.

All set time tumbling

At different times.

For everything there is a time…

I washed my heart

At Sparkling Coin Laundry.