THE CLOTHESLINE'S WISDOM by Susan Mendez

My clothesline is my dearest friend

She shares my secrets end to end

And on her lines I can depend

For no one knows the help she lends

Someone washed the clothes last night

And washed the red ones with the white!

Was it Alicia? Could it be?

How many times now? Is it three?

She must be in a heap of trouble

Better find out on the double!

Does her little brother know?

Did they conspire long ago?

Why were the clothes not on the line?

Were these the ones they feared I find?

And Dad, he did some laundry too

Did all his jeans - but not all blue!

The fabric softener made them fresh

But they lacked some soap I guess

I’ll have to wash them once or twice

He’s not listening to advice

Maybe he was in a hurry

Clothes are all in such a flurry!

Whites and brights, that won’t suffice

But they do smell really nice!

Hang them on the line to dry

Makes my neighbors laugh and cry

Sweet of him to even try

Whole new meaning to tie-dye!

Hang white tee shirts one by one

Line them up, my work is done

Oh dear Clothesline, glad you’re here

The dryer’s broke! Why? It’s not clear!

Must’ve been an overload.

My family’s now in crisis mode!

Find the clothespins, did they hide them?

Clothes won’t get hung if I chide them!

Many a thought my clothesline’s penned

“Humor’s better in the end!

There’s a blackout, never fear

For my clothesline’s ever near!

She always sees around the bend

And to my family she does tend

Mischief, she will apprehend

With gentle words that won’t offend

Yes, I can hear my clothesline say,

“The children hung the clothes today!”

Here they come with baskets filled

Shocked to find out their beans got spilled!