Vintage rug - needs some TLC

An old shaggy rug lies by the living-room door, grubby and past hope.

Not any more worthy then the carpet laid down before

it and of no greater quality. In keeping with the poor décor.

The edges are frayed by the wear and tear of a lightless lifespan.

If you look closely you can see the splotches, stains,

the faded remains of old trauma

lifted mostly by the years of constant scrubbing but

eventually abandoned and thought sufficiently dealt with.

A clutter you might consider collateral damage

or debris ready for loading into the skip ready for the dump.

The sort you might beat with a stick or throw against the walls

knowing it is a hateful task. Knowing it has outlived its worth.

The fragments of filth flake away but your arms won’t have the strength

to get all the dirt unearthed from its shambling remains.

You would need a specialist to even come close to a restoration

but who would pay to fix such an ugly and cheap thing.

That sort of treatment should be reserved for the once brilliant,

Not the type of throw down and walk all over,

never-remove-your-muddy-boots, flea infested offal you see here.

The properly cared for and well-kept type.

You can still see the folds lifting from the floor. An afterthought care,

where the only departure from that dreary dreadful room

was a door constantly rammed against and dragged away.

Only straightening out the rug as if to nurture the damage already done.

It’s a long shot but if anybody can find it a home, I’d owe them one.