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What Happened To the Washerwoman

Listen to poem:

by Robert(Bob)Moore © 2016

Do you remember Dolly Blue, 
Carbolic soap and brownstone too
mam at the copper, stick in hand
to stir the clothes, so they’d look grand

squeeze out the water, through the wringer
be careful though, don’t trap your finger
‘cause that might hurt and make you cry
then hang them on the line to dry

Then came machines, with an agitator
just throw stuff in and come back later
still have to put them through the wringer
that’s still a danger to your finger

Then came spin dryers, they make a din
you just throw all of the wet clothes in
then hang them out upon the line
that’s OK if the weathers fine

Next came the dryer, to make them dry
just flick a switch, and watch them fry
don’t need to hang them out today
so the washerwoman just faded away.

Copyright © Robert J Moore | Year Posted 2016

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Leo Larry Amadore Date: 8/28/2018 2:40:00 PM I enjoyed this nostalgic reminiscence and, as I listened to your entertaining recital while reading along, could picture the process, the washer woman, and the machinery.....Thanks for your accomplishment in creating this competent, interesting, and well wrought reminder of a slice of life now virtually forgotten... Login to Reply Robert J Moore Date: 6/10/2021 9:34:00 PM I have been away from the site for a while Leo, thank you for your comment, I will always remember my life in Manchester Bob