The Clothesline Speaks Volumes

CLOTHESLINES seem very special to me.

I have always loved the fragrance of the outdoors that clings to everything that is hung out to dry in the warm sun and the fresh air! Because of that, having a clothesline was of major importance to me when we first built our house many years ago.

One of the very first things I looked forward to doing upon being discharged from the hospital after an almost 7 month stay which culminated in my heart transplant, was once again having the physical strength to use my clothesline!

With spring just around the corner, I'm looking forward to getting a brand new clothesline since the previous one is not in good shape!

When hanging out the clothes, my thoughts are sometimes taken up with the sounds of birds chirping merrily as they enjoy the warmth of spring. But many times my thoughts are far removed from my back porch and the yard that surrounds our house.

Oft remembered are clotheslines are former days when tiny outfits marched proudly along the line, receiving blankets billowing in the breeze, announcing to all that a new life had graced our home and our hearts.

Days when shorts and jerseys jockeyed for position reminding me of our 2 sons, soccer and pride in doing one's best.

Days when dresses of satin and roses danced joyfully together with garments of denim and lace, echoing the click-clacking of my daughter's footsteps, so recently leaving a trail to distant lands.

A clothesline was a news forecast
To neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep
When clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link
For neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by
To spend a night or two.

For when you'd see the fancy sheets
And towels on the line;
You'd see the company table clothes
With intricate design.

The line announced a baby's birth
To folks who lived inside
As brand new infant clothes were hung
So carefully with pride.

The ages of the children could
So easily be known
By watching how the sizes changed
You'd know how much they'd grown.

It also told when illness struck,
As extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too,
Haphazardly were strung.

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

New folks in town were scorned upon
If wash was dingy gray,
As neighbors raised their brows,
And looked disgustedly away.

But clotheslines now are of the past
For dryers make work less.
Now what goes on inside a home
Is anybody's guess.

I really miss that way of life.
It was a friendly sign
When neighbors knew each other best
By what hung on the line!

~ Author Unknown ~

[Images: "DRYING CLOTHES © Helen Allingham
and "CLEAN and FRESH" © Jerianne Vandijk]