Together we climbed up the stairs <br />'now come on matey' Nanna said. <br />Once at the top both entered there <br />while she decided what to wear <br />so after while the sun streamed in <br />warm water filled the sink within <br />removed with care as one by one; <br />work clothes off afternoon clothes on; <br />'Wright's coal tar' and the job was done. <br /> <br />Decision taken turned to say <br />'a lick and a promise today'. <br />Donned soft clean vest; stiff long line bra <br />extra best support 'cross your heart' <br />struggled with hooks and hauled it up <br />big, thick, white a double F cup. <br />Next in fact was just like murder <br />jerk, tug, yank hoisted the girdle! <br />Like clearing a major hurdle. <br /> <br />Chatted on with her granddaughter <br />dirty underclothes and water <br />thus swiftly cleared of all the mess <br />pretty petticoat, floral dress. <br />At length we'd pass along the stairs <br />a bedroom with the horse hair chair; <br />then cocked left ankle on right knee <br />rolled up stocking, chit chat with me <br />relaxed, that's how we used to be. <br /> <br />Sliding doors of lemon black stripe <br />in the dressing table; behind <br />ever faithfully guarded pearls <br />there lived a fairy with Nan's jewels. <br />Fixed suspenders, checked seams were straight <br />impossible contortions made! <br />Memories of joy and laughter <br />how I miss such treasured chatter <br />hope she waits in the here after.<br /><br />Gillian.E. Shaw<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/n-a-lick-and-a-promise-1960-s-britain/
