A Song From The Suds

By Louisa May Alcott

Limerick
     Queen of my tub, I merrily sing,         While the white foam rises high,         And sturdily wash and rinse and wring,         And fasten the clothes to dry.         Then out in the free fresh air they swing,         Under the sunny sky.         I wish we could wash from our hearts and souls         The stains of the week away,         And let water and air by their magic make         Ourselves as pure as they.         Then on the earth there would be indeed,         A glorious washing day!         Along the path of a useful life,         Will heartsease ever bloom.         The busy mind has no time to think         Of sorrow or care or gloom.         And anxious thoughts may be swept away,         As we bravely wield a broom.         I am glad a task to me is given,         To labor at day by day,         For it brings me health and strength and hope,         And I cheerfully learn to say,         "Head, you may think, Heart, you may feel,         But, Hand, you shall work alway!"

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
In this charming poem, the speaker revels in the simple joys of domesticity, likening the act of washing clothes to a form of spiritual cleansing. The poem's central theme is the idea that by attending to mundane tasks, one can find a sense of purpose and renewal. The speaker longs for a world where the burdens of the heart and soul can be washed away, leaving individuals feeling pure and rejuvenated. The poem's message is one of optimism and resilience, suggesting that even the most mundane tasks can bring a sense of health, strength, and hope. Ultimately, the poem concludes with a powerful assertion of the importance of hard work and diligence, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.

Understanding Limerick

A limerick is a five-line poem known for its jaunty rhythm, playful tone, and a punchline twist. It’s built for humor—often sly, sometimes downright silly.

Common characteristics of limericks:

  • Five Lines & Rhyme: The standard scheme is AABBA—the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme; the shorter third and fourth lines rhyme with each other.
  • Bouncy Meter: Typically anapestic (two short, one long beat). Lines 1, 2, and 5 are longer; lines 3 and 4 are shorter.
  • Tone & Humor: Lighthearted, mischievous, and built around a final gag or reversal.
  • Subject & Setup: Often starts with “There once was a … from …,” setting place and character before the comic turn.
  • Sound Play: Internal rhyme, alliteration, and rhythmic snap heighten the joke’s delivery.

The best limericks land like a good toast: quick, musical, and clinched by a memorable last line.