The Litmus Test

The girl stood by the window, Her head turned slightly to best observe the dreaded finger, When it walked into the room. The finger that which by its very actions would seal her fate. Would this finger seemingly no different than any of her own, Foreshadow a steady income, or a requirement for her to leave this place to take up life on the street once more. The door moved almost imperceptibly, just enough for the finger to be seen Curved around the outer edge, as if it was making up its mind to Fully enter or slip back out. I watched from behind my desk, awaiting also a decision by the finger. Would this girl be the chosen one? Would the finger deem her suitable to grace our household on a regular basis? I wanted the matter settled quickly. This very day, three others had crossed our threshold only for the movement of the finger to show up their shortcomings, resulting in them trudging warily back from whence they had come. Having made up its mind the finger thrust itself into the room, Then stopped dead still so as to take the measure of it's newest victim, Before sliding firstly along the skirting boards, then somersaulting onto various Pieces of furniture. Every movement bringing the dreaded finger closer to the girl and myself. Now it could be seen leaping from the top of one picture frame to another. With one last swift movement the finger was gliding across my desk. The girl turned against her will to confront the finger, To dare it to turn her out. Responding to the challenge the finger stood upright, A healthy pink glow emanating from its tip, Not having picked up even a single speck of dust or grime From all that slithering. "I'm sure you will do just fine dear, I'd have to do it myself to get it any cleaner" said the owner of the finger in her most re-assuring and kindly voice. 'Is Monday too soon for you to start - that is if it is all right with you darling" said my wife as she turned to me to rubber stamp the deal. "absolutely my precious" I responded in genuine relief as I rang the bell for a nice hot cup of tea for us all.