Sapphire Designs 2012



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 All Rights Reserved share




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Sapphire Designs 2012