Washing in Bygone days

Washing in Bygone days

Monday washday, early start;
Piles of washing, don’t lose heart.
No easy- care, no nylon then,
No anti-creasing way back when.
So we must get the water hot
No use proceeding if it’s not.

Under the copper the fire’s alight,
The water’s boiling – the wash is white
So in those days what do you do?
Of course, you add a bag of blue.
Huge wooden tongs to save your skin,
To help you plunge your washing in.

Heave out the heavy load-it’s hard,
Out to the mangle in the yard.
Crank the wheel, and one by one
Feed the sheets until it’s done
Don’t rush it, always be aware
Not to catch your fingers there.

The wicker basket full at last,
Down the garden to the mast
Peg it out and fly it high
Raise that pulley to the sky

Back in the day, a long-gone time
The washing’s flapping on the line,
Smelling of the sun and sea
So now for a well-earned cup of tea.

About the author

LaurelC
417 Up Votes
Artist and writer, retired seafarer. Author (with late husband Bill) of best selling "Sell Up and Sail" Cruised under sail nearly 100,00 miles until the age of 83.

More from LaurelC

Remembering Names
Remembering Names I knew my friends, when I was young, Their names came easy to my...
Read More
Tinkle
This poem’s about incontinence - I hope it will not give offence. Tinkle I’m getting...
Read More
The NHS is Under Stress
The NHS is Under Stress Take care, they say-mind how you go. And that is what I’m doing ...
Read More
Look at Me
Look at me Look at me I’m 93 Fit as a fiddle And well as can be And I put it all down...
Read More
If you enjoyed reading this, show your appreciation to the author with a thumbs up!

LaurelC would love your feedback, please leave your comments below:

Loading Comments

Showcase your literature

Not a member?

You need to be a member to interact with Silversurfers. Joining is free and simple to do. Click the button below to join today!

Click here if you have forgotten your password
Click here to visit the showcase home page