Queen of my tub, I merrily sing, <br />While the white foam raises high, <br />And sturdily wash, and rinse, and wring, <br />And fasten the clothes to dry; <br />Then out in the free fresh air they swing, <br />Under the sunny sky. <br /> <br />I wish we could wash from our hearts and our souls <br />The stains of the week away, <br />And let water and air by their magic make <br />Ourselves as pure as they; <br />Then on the earth there would be indeed <br />A glorious washing day! <br /> <br />Along the path of a useful life <br />Will heart's-ease ever bloom; <br />The busy mind has no time to think <br />Of sorrow, or care, or gloom; <br />And anxious thoughts may be swept away <br />As we busily wield a broom. <br /> <br />I am glad a task to me is given <br />To labor at day by day; <br />For it brings me health, and strength, and hope, <br />And I cheerfully learn to say- <br />'Head, you may think; heart, you may feel; <br />But hand, you shall work always!'<br /><br />Louisa May Alcott<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-song-from-the-suds/
