N - A Lick And A Promise.(1960's Britain) Poem by Gillian.E. Shaw

Together we climbed up the stairs
'now come on matey' Nanna said.
Once at the top both entered there
while she decided what to wear
so after while the sun streamed in
warm water filled the sink within
removed with care as one by one;
work clothes off afternoon clothes on;
'Wright's coal tar' and the job was done.

Decision taken turned to say
'a lick and a promise today'.
Donned soft clean vest; stiff long line bra
extra best support 'cross your heart'
struggled with hooks and hauled it up
big, thick, white a double F cup.
Next in fact was just like murder
jerk, tug, yank hoisted the girdle!
Like clearing a major hurdle.

Chatted on with her granddaughter
dirty underclothes and water
thus swiftly cleared of all the mess
pretty petticoat, floral dress.
At length we'd pass along the stairs
a bedroom with the horse hair chair;
then cocked left ankle on right knee
rolled up stocking, chit chat with me
relaxed, that's how we used to be.

Sliding doors of lemon black stripe
in the dressing table; behind
ever faithfully guarded pearls
there lived a fairy with Nan's jewels.
Fixed suspenders, checked seams were straight
impossible contortions made!
Memories of joy and laughter
how I miss such treasured chatter
hope she waits in the here after.