Laundering

Clogs in a discharge pump shut down the home washing machine for eight months.
We went to the laundromat.
Every week, four washing machines and three dryers.
I wrote, knitted, graded papers, and shelled beans.

Finally, we cleared the clog.
The ecstasy lasted from late October through mid-January
when the pipes froze, and something broke.
Our warranty expired. We too were broke.
We went to the laundromat again.

Every week, three washing machines and three dryers.
Why we're washing fewer clothes is puzzling, but life at the laundromat is not.
For thirty-five minutes, the washers run.
I read an essay, grade two papers (sometimes three), or write some words.
The dryers run for 16 to 40 minutes, depending on
the weight of the fabrics,
the heaviness of the load,
the humidity of the day.
I read a little more, grade a little more, write.

A student Beyonce has the same number of hours in her day as you and me.
But does Beyonce measure productivity in wash and dry cycles?