Child of a child of the Depression,
I am my mother's daughter.
Then, the thrifty wringer washer
was scary with its hungry rollers. Hanging laundry is safe enough,
except to an adolescent's ego.
Hoist up the flag of unmentionables: brassieres, girdles, panties...
Strategically position sheets in front
so the world won't view our undies.
Now, my home's shabby poles
are rusting, returning into earth.
Still I let my linens proudly fly,
whip and wind around the line.
If only you could see me, mom,
not whining at the chore anymore.
I love my iron eyesores, but I do not
exhibit my unmentionables.
-- Christine DeMars
Graphic designer Christine DeMars helped us promote our
Clothesline Challenge project at the Co-op on Earth Day.
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