A Thought for Washing Day

by Julia Ward Howe

This poem was written between 1879-1882, published in her daughters' biography, Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910), which earned Laura E. Richards and Maud Howe Elliott the Pulitzer Prize in 1917.

An illustration for the story A Thought for Washing Day by the author Julia Ward Howe — Helen Allingham, Drying Clothes

The clothes-line is a Rosary
Of household help and care;
Each little saint the Mother loves
Is represented there.

And when across her garden plot
She walks, with thoughtful heed,
I should not wonder if she told
Each garment for a bead.

A stranger passing, I salute
The Household in its wear,
And smile to think how near of kin
Are love and toil and prayer.

Featured in our collection of 100 Great Poems
Enjoy reading Ms. Howe's most recognized poem, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, featured in our collection of Poetry for Students.

8.5