Quiet

I'm only aware of the washing machine in the kitchen - because it briefly stops

and

for a second

everything goes quiet

and 

the quiet is deafening

then it starts again

turning slowly this time

slowly tumbling the wet clothes inside itself

then

building up speed

the noise slowly builds up to a loud gurgle as it empties out the dirty water

yet 

above all that noise

outside the lounge window

a car door slams

and a car starts it's engine 

but it doesn't drive away

the washing machine pauses again  briefly allowing me to hear the dog snoring on her bed in the window 

but it's gone as the washing machine starts it's cycle again

the car still hasn't driven off

as another door slams

this time it's a front door 

I think someone's forgotten something

        ...a train passes

once again the car door slams 

this time

as if like a starting pistol 

the washing machine starts

and the alarm on my phone goes off

simultaneously 

I'd forgotten it was running so it makes me jump

I turn it off 

then reset it 

my phone emits several loud beeps as I do

then pausing to catch my breath

I hear the page of a book being turned

as the washing machine pauses

and I hear that the dog is still snoring 

...as the washing machine revs up and goes into its final spin

and in anticipation of it finishing

I rise from my chair 

and as if

not "switched off"

but only on "stand-by"

...the dog wakes

I think the washing machine has finished

...it's all quiet once more

I go and check!