 | From Sunset Ridge |  |
156
A THOUGHT FOR WASHING DAY
The clothes-line is a Rosary
Of household help and care;
Each little saint the Mother loves
Is represented there.
Of household help and care;
Each little saint the Mother loves
Is represented there.
And when across her garden plot
She walks, with thoughtful heed,
I should not wonder if she told
Each garment for a bead.
She walks, with thoughtful heed,
I should not wonder if she told
Each garment for a bead.
For Celia's scarlet stockings hang
Beside Amelia's skirt,
And Bilbo's breeches, which of late
Were sadly smeared with dirt.
Beside Amelia's skirt,
And Bilbo's breeches, which of late
Were sadly smeared with dirt.
Yon kerchief small wiped bitter tears
For ill-success at school;
This pinafore was torn in strife
'Twixt Fred and little Jule.
For ill-success at school;
This pinafore was torn in strife
'Twixt Fred and little Jule.
And that device of finer web,
And over-costly lace,
Adorned our Eldest when she danced
At some gay fashion place.
And over-costly lace,
Adorned our Eldest when she danced
At some gay fashion place.
157
A stranger passing, I salute
The Household in its wear,
And smile to think how near of kin
Are love and toil and prayer.
The Household in its wear,
And smile to think how near of kin
Are love and toil and prayer.
| From Sunset Ridge | |