A Wigwam for a Goose's Bridle

The toaster died today.

You would never expect this inanimate object
to be an analogy of us

(do you remember it was a wedding gift?)

it’s getting on, but I thought it was working
just fine

(almost ten years)

I thought it deserved a clean up
time to polish up the metallic surface
shake the crumbs out into the bin

(there. good as new)

except it isn’t

the lever no longer stays down on its own

(I no longer assume I am always at fault)

It still lights up; the element glows
the colour of incandescent grapefruit pulp
and the heat remains sufficient 
to burn the bread

(to a crisp, if that is your preference)

but only if someone keeps the lever forced down
and that is not sustainable

I assume at least some parts of it are recyclable
but I will not be the one to pick at its mechanical bones