Jaw Box Poem by Jim O'Donnell

Way back then when I was a lad
Porcelain sinks that’s what we had
No stainless steel or plastic bowls
A jaw box they called it, so I’m told

Our kitchen had a double one
And on Sundays oh such fun
The right part filled with soaking clothes
We’d jump up and dance in it with our toes

No fancy dangled washing machine
This how my mum got them cleaned
Splashing water every were we didn’t really care
Rinse them of clear of soap

Then through the mangle they would go
Mind your fingers keep them clear
You’ll get them squashed inside here
Clothes like cardboard once squeezed out
Then my mum just hung them out


25 09 2010
Chellaston