Out on a line

My mom sent this poem to me this morning. Thought I would share it with you since I actually had some things outside today on the line. This poem makes me think some housewife in the 50's probably wrote it. Probably a nosy housewife from my hometown. We certainly have our share of ladies who would find "enjoyment" from seeing what people have hanging on their clotheslines. Times don't really change, do they? ;)


A POEM

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 then you'd see the "fancy sheets" and towels upon the line; You'd see the "company table cloths" with intricate designs.

The line announced a baby's birth from folks who lived inside -As brand new infant clothes were hung, so carefully with pride!

The ages of the children could so readily 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 also 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 and gray,As neighbors carefully raised their brows, and looked the other way.

But clotheslines now are of the past, for dryers make work much less. Now what goes on inside a home is any body'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!