Ode to the Laundry Hamper

Bushel hamper, wickerwork, hamper basket Far from your days as a case or casket Southern born Who knew your purpose would out grow the fruits, veggies and grains who used you as just a basket 1897, on your way, Sears and Roebuck answered those who asked what can task-it A beautiful receptacle for the dirty, disheveled work clothes we disown Built-in, hidden, or a moveable facet 1966, Sears and Roebucks catelogue moved from a simple ad to a three page packet In all shapes and sizes, often padded with baking soda or litter to hide the smell of our worn To me you are no less important than anyone living in my hamlet A welcomed collector, a teacher who taught my dog to pick up socks for a biscuit the fastest The one on my side, in cahoots, keeping things organized in my cleaning, leaving me fresh and reborn Far from your days as a case or casket