The Machine
A necessity for modern life?
The machine -
so necessary for modern life -
sits near its companion, unused:
its drum empty, its timer silent.
What it replaced, the line,
beckons
my body, my hands, my spirit.
Wet laundry, heaved outside,
then pinned by clips
across the yard, under blue sky
- as it always had been -
bathes in sunshine,
wafts in wind,
drying as bees bumble,
squirrels scurry,
birds sing.
Reaching upward,
my hands repeat
the actions of my mother,
my grandmothers,
theirs too.
Together we extend and bend,
extend and bend,
extend and bend.
In union, we retrieve
clothing warmed,
ready to wear,
the gift of nature,
our eternal mother.
About the Creator
Denise Davis
A Manhattan-toasted, Kentucky marinated, Southern Californian, this 60+ year old woman has studied writing, taught writing and admired writing. It's time to actually begin writing. We shall see how this goes.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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Comments (15)
Congrats on top story! Great work!
A wringer washer, perhaps? This takes me back. I can feel the clothesline under my palm! :)
Great!
Well written
Very good
I really like this article
I really like this article
Well written
Women's work is the hardest of all. I'm glad you never listened to this "professor". He probably never wrote anything creative, so how could he know? Your poem is outstanding! Excellent job.
Thank you all for taking the time to comment. Decades ago, a favorite professor of mine told me that I am no poet, crushing my desire to even try. Your support reminds me how powerful a single comment can be. I hope others are telling you to keep writing. I’m planning to read your work as soon as I have time to savor your words.
Great! I want to give you credit!
I loved it too!
Very well written, thanks for sharing👏👏👏
I loved it too!
Loved and subscribed! Can't wait to read more of your work! Consider having a look at mine and if you like it, please subscribe... there's a lot to come!