MODERN IRONS
I have just finished the ironing, all put away,
So easy with an electric iron in modern day,
I have friends who hardly iron, buy wrinkle free,
But I still like to smooth them over neat as can be.
How many remember smoothing irons long ago?
With a big iron hold some so hot they almost glow!
Some much cooler ones, some big some very small,
And I was taught when young how to use them all.
If the washing was almost dry a quick iron would do,
But if still wet you’d have to iron it right through,
Maybe have to do it twice to help it dry to be sure
Before placing it behind the airing cupboard door.
Each iron on the hob or right in the old black grate,
Getting them just right was a think I used to hate,
Test the corners never go right in the middle or maybe
A big burn mark or even a hole for everyone to see.
Gran had a cotton petticoat with too many lacy frills
To iron it always gave me, when starched, the chills,
She’d come and check with her bony fingers and scowl
If each lace frill was creased a task that was even foul.
One day I was dreaming of climbing Bluebell Wood,
And was not concentrating hard as I really should,
I pick up the iron and right in the middle at the back
Placed the too hot iron, now true courage I did lack.
I folded it up and placed it almost out of reach,
Then ran off to play but a lesson gran did teach,
When I came in the petticoat was there on display,
She told me she always wanted to throw it away.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 4 January 2006