JENNY COMES CLEAN
Far out in the country, miles from town
Where few passers-by see her ranch
Jenny hangs laundry on wires stretched taut
And held up in the air with a branch.
There she hangs coveralls, blue denim shirts,
Scrubbed clean with ashes and lye
Neatly she clothes-pins them, all in a row
And waits for the hot winds to dry.
Primly she hangs things, precisely arranges
Dresses and aprons, so colors won't fade
Gracing the line next, a young child's clothing
Rompers, and blouses and items handmade.
Then she hies to the attic, with girdles and slips
(And items she couldn't discuss)
She hangs them with care lest a male dare stare
Snatch a peek, sneak a look, raise a fuss.
Causing Jennie to blush.
Louise Hullinger Copyright
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