Poetry Friday - A Song From the Suds

Perhaps you're wondering where I've been lately. I am spending every waking minute preparing for an on-site review of our Teacher Preparation Program. Since this is for national accreditation, it's a very big deal. So, this work is sucking up all of my time. What I really need right now is a Calgon moment. Until I can steal a few minutes for myself, this will have to do.

A Song from the Suds
by Louisa May Alcott

Queen of my tub, I merrily sing,
While the white foam raises high,
And sturdily wash, and rinse, and wring,
And fasten the clothes to dry;
Then out in the free fresh air they swing,
Under the sunny sky.

I wish we could wash from our hearts and our souls
The stains of the week away,
And let water and air by their magic make
Ourselves as pure as they;
Then on the earth there would be indeed
A glorious washing day!

Along the path of a useful life
Will heart's-ease ever bloom;
The busy mind has no time to think
Of sorrow, or care, or gloom;
And anxious thoughts may be swept away
As we busily wield a broom.

I am glad a task to me is given
To labor at day by day;
For it brings me health, and strength, and hope,
And I cheerfully learn to say-
"Head, you may think; heart, you may feel;
But hand, you shall work always!"

The round-up this week is at The Book Mine Set. Before you head over there to read all of the great poems, be sure to check out this week's poetry stretch results. Happy poetry Friday, all!