Linen Hankerchief
Does anyone still make use of the linen handkerchief?
Does anyone still take the time to starch and iron,
Fold and press into triangle or square?
Many and varied the role of this flimsy accessory!
To dab one’s eyes, or nose; or after rain, I suppose –
To dab discreetly at one’s hair.
Then there’s the dapper suit with its lively pocket adornment;
A love token waved, or given away –
A Cinderella’s slipper found by a favoured gent.
Man and woman and child alike for reasons unbeknownst
May stash one on their person quite unbidden.
A lot of fuss over nothing much: this strangest piece of linen.
poem by Jean Renwick
Added by Poetry Lover
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