THE SHIRT!
Ironing is not too bad a chore, until one shirt comes along,
Fortunately my husband rotates them but it doesn’t take too long
For this shirt to rear it’s head and stare at me and seems to say,
“Well up now so far my dear you had quite a good, happy day.”
It is 100% cotton the very best that can be bought they say,
It will last forever and it cannot ever be old or worn away,
But it is thick and unyielding, even the iron seems to sigh,
And when it turns up I just want to ray away and had a cry.
Both sides of the collar twice, then it may be fit to wear,
The sleeves done front and back and front and still there
Are creases that won’t go away, as for the back it’s hard
And if you over starch it, it turns all stiff as a thick card.
Most shirts take about four minutes, maybe just a little less,
But this beast with it’s strong resistance will have me press
For at least twenty long minutes, I stand and struggle there
With frustration building up so my blood pressure does flair.
When it is at last ironed and looks as good as new to see,
I wonder if it has been worth it leaving worn and weary,
But I must admit I have been known to move it down the rack
So it will not too soon go and land on my husband’s back.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 22 October 2005