Laundromat Detour
Poems about
Liberated Bra Underwires
Quirky Customers
Mopping and More
Published by Leah M Schulte
Laundromat Detour is an amusing and inspiring collection of poems about the joys and challenges of laundromat ownership. On an unexpected career detour the author, as co-owner of a suburban laundromat since 2018, embraces the all the realities of running and working in a small business. With humor, mindfulness and gratitude she explores daily objects, routines and customers encountered.
Briefly, the book is organized into six chapters. The first two, deal with objects and tasks at the mat. The middle two chapters present a variety of customers. A fun fifth chapter delves into the mysteries of how the assortment of detritus, the odds and ends found in the washers and dryers, made their way into the mat. A final short chapter touches on issues of patriotism, racism and humanity through the author’s new lens of business ownership.
In more detail on content, free verse poems probe:
- the extra-ordinary nature of things including washers, security cameras, tape, a talking vending machine
- some not-so-mundane tasks such as ironing, using a Flip N Fold, managing staff
- memorable customers, among them Cathy the Cat Lady, Big Jim, Alice and her Tribe
- advice and similes in a “How to Handle a Talker” series including Gushers, Drippers and Experts
- fictional backstories on laundry detritus left by customers like bra underwires, a Band-Aid, bullet casings and a space alien gift
- perspectives on self and country during turbulent times
Black and white photographs of t-shirts, objects and people capture the spirit
of the mat. Other photos are of unique creations from the treasure trove of collected
detritus items from machines. These overlooked and discarded items such as lighters,
combs, guitar picks, jewelry, keys, etc. were fashioned into geometric arrangements,
unique objects, creatures and scenes.
View Detritus Color Photos
While these musings arise from a laundromat, they have broad appeal and illustrate that the awareness and appreciation of all our daily connections-with objects, people, jobs-are essential to living more fully. Sometimes, detours can be eye-opening adventures. Come, take the detour!
If you are in the St Louis area, stop by and see us at the
Midtown Washboard.
Interested in learning more about the coin laundry industry? Visit the
Coin Laundry Association.