We washed our clothes and put them out to dry The different pieces that a family wears; Bright cup towels and gay handkerchiefs close by: Some clothes were new but other things had tears. And while they limply hang upon the line They do not fear the torrid ironing hour. Stretched in the stimulating spring sunshine They flap defiance at a coming shower. The neighbors going past might so look in And count the pieces of our wardrobe now, And if they do, with passing humor thin, The wet wash dankly gives a mocking bow. The dirty linen that comes clean at home Owes no apology to folks who roam. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PASSING BY by THOMAS FORD (1580-1648) THE EMPEROR'S BIRD'S-NEST by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW SOJOURN IN THE WHALE by MARIANNE MOORE POLITICAL GREATNESS by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY DISARMAMENT by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 8. ON LEAVING HOLLAND by MARK AKENSIDE ECHO by AULUS LICINIUS ARCHIAS |