Housework

By Mick Westwood Jan 24, 2016

This is a nostalgic look back at household chores in a time gone by – this is how our mothers whiled their time away!

Housework

‘Cardinal’ the front step, put ‘Brasso’ on the plate,
‘Vinegar’ on the windows, and ‘black-lead’ on the grate,
‘Dolly-tub’ the washing, and when that job is done,
Put it through the ‘mangle’, one by one.

Hang the ‘peg-rug’ outside, and use the ‘beater’ hard,
See the dust go swirling across the old back-yard,
When the dust has settled, do not let it stay,
Reach for mother’s favourite tool, – and ‘Besom’ it away.

Warm the heavy iron, standing by the flame,
‘Iron’ till it cools a while, – then warm it up again,
Sweating in your ‘pinny’ never question why,
Got to make some pastry, for a crust upon a pie.

This is how our mothers, whiled their time away,
Working fingers to the bone, day by day,
Only one ambition, one thought to enthrone,
Giving us a house of love, – giving us a home!

(Thanks Mom, – love you xxxx )

Mick

Copyright Mick Westwood 2014

About the author

Mick Westwood

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I am a 71 year old retired coal miner, who spent 30 years working underground. Having time on my hands, and in order to keep my brain exercised, I decided to try to write poetry and put down on paper some of my life experience, and my hopes, dreams and other thoughts. I also do a little gardening, but I am hopeless at housework. Much to my wife's displeasure.