a clothesline

A clothesline was a news forecastTo neighbours passing by,There were no secrets you could keepWhen clothes were hung to dry.

It was also a friendly linkFor neighbours always knew,If company had stopped byTo spend a night or two.

For then you see the fancy sheetsAnd towels on the line.You'd see the company table clothesWith intricate design.

The line announced a baby's birthTo folks who lived inside,As brand new infant clothes were hungSo carefully with pride.

The ages of children couldSo readily be known,By watching how sizes changedYou'd know how much they'd grown. 

It also told when illness struckAs extra sheets were hung,Then night clothes and a bathrobe too,Haphazardly were hung.  

It said, "Gone on vacation now,"When lines hung limp and bare.It told, "We're back!", When full lines saggedWith not an inch to spare.  

New folks were scorned uponIf wash was dingy grey!As neighbours raised their browsAnd looked disgustedly away.  

But clotheslines now are of the pastFor dryers make work less.Now whatever goes inside a house-Is anybody's guess.  

I really miss that way of lifeIt was a friendly sign,When neighbours knew each other bestBy what hung on the line.  

I have laid my show on the line for you to enjoy, please leave it intact and

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