We knew what was coming every Saturday night
In Johnson Bottom, it was bathing day
Mother's old number three wash tub
Served a dual purpose that way
Bathing was a coal camp weekly ritual
Whether we needed one or not
In summer, we liked the water cool
In winter, it was comfortably hot
Mother kept the old teakettle busy
As it heated on the stove in the kitchen
We all promised not to pee in the bathtub
And used the water over and over again
The warmth from the stove in the kitchen
Took away the winter chill bumps
We could bathe and soap in comfort
Washing our heads and feet and rumps
Mother didn't allow for modesty
As she bustled in and out of the room
Making sure we got down to business
With Camay soap and its sweet perfume
She made sure we all passed inspection
Examining our fingernails, elbows and ears
The boys usually had to wash again
Despite protests, complaints and tears
We still had to wash up during the week
Every morning, filling the old wash pan
Sharing the same old ragged towel
Going to school all spick and span
Ah, the past sure holds good memories
Of all the things we did back then
I like remembering those fondest of times
But I wouldn't do them over again
Kathleen McCoy Eldridge
©October 4, 2012
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