On Mondays
Attired in
Floral pinny,
Knotted headscarf,
Sleeves rolled to elbows,
Grandma prepared for war.

Armaments consist of
Dolly tub,
Posher,
Washboard,
Scrubbing brush,
Long green bar of Fairy soap.

War zone,
Steaming hot water
Fired by coal
Ladled from copper boiler.
Woad,
In Dolly Blue Bags,
Prepared the battleground.

Arms aching from mangle turning,
Grandma brush back wisps of grey hair
With wet forearm.

Battle over,
Enemy surrendered to the clothesline.
Awaiting torture
By hot iron on Tuesdays.