Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WASHING THE DISHES, by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WASHING THE DISHES, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When we on simple rations sup
Last Line: If you should drop a willow cup!
Alternate Author Name(s): Hall, Galway
Subject(s): Housekeeping


WHEN we on simple rations sup
How easy is the washing up!
But heavy feeding complicates
The task by soiling many plates.

And though I grant that I have prayed
That we might find a serving-maid,
I'd scullion all my days, I think,
To see Her smile across the sink!

I wash, She wipes. In water hot
I souse each dish and pan and pot;
While Taffy mutters, purrs, and begs,
And rubs himself against my legs.

The man who never in his life
Has washed the dishes with his wife
Or polished up the silver plate --
He still is largely celibate.

One warning: there is certain ware
That must be handled with all care:
The Lord Himself will give you up
If you should drop a willow cup!





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