Alabama, 19 15. 89 



TRIMMING THE CLOTHES-LINE 



Fm happy when the birds come back, 



Fve something then to do; 

 If you don't mind a little work 



Perhaps you'd like it, too. 



I get a lot of pretty strings, 



Some red, some white, some blue, 

 And on a line out in the yard 



I hang them up in view. 



Sometimes I lay them on the ground, 



And bits of lace, as well ; 

 For just what stuff will best suit birds 



Is sometimes hard to tell. 



They know our yard is a good place 



Variety to find ; 

 And my ! they're often such a while 



In making up their mind. 



But before night I've sold clean out, 



Im tired as I can be ; 

 Yet when the birds chirp back their thanks 



And sing sweet songs to me, 



I'm ready next day to begin 



To trim my line anew, 

 In colors like the flag we love — 



The red, the white and blue. 



— By Helen M. Richardson. 



