Washing Day by Julia Ward Howe

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 18, 1902

Washing Day

By Julia Ward Howe

The clothesline is a rosary Of household help and care; Each little saint the mother loves Is represented there.

And when across her garden plot She walks with thoughtful heed, I should not wonder if she told Each garment for a bead;

For Celia's scarlet stockings hang Beside Amelia's skirt, And Bilbo's breeches, which of late Were sadly smeared with dirt.

Your kerchief small wiped bitter tears For ill success at school; This pinafore was torn in strife 'Twixt Fred and little Jule.

A stranger, passing, I salute The household in its wear, And smile to think how near of kin Are love and toil and prayer.

— Julia Ward Howe.