It was late in February
I encountered Laundry Larry.
Just recov’ring from the flu,
I had tons of wash to do!
Thought I might avoid day’s rush
once the building was in hush;
in the hours dark and wee
all the washers would be free!
Lugged my colors, whites, and quarters,
laundry soap and static thwarters
through my senior complex halls
down to basement’s bright pink walls.
Empty washers, open hatches,
all at once I ran three batches!
Dryer cycle neared its end
as geezer-bloke came ‘round the bend.
Not a nod, no “Howdy-do”
as he shuffled into view;
straight across the tiled floor
to his designated chore.
Never looked to right nor left
as disgorged his hamper’s heft.
Then (in greatest show of thrift?)
overhead his sweater lifts...
Once in agitating bin,
undid buttons ‘neath his chin…
then suspenders headed south –
dumbfounds my mind and gaping mouth!
Stopped my folding, started scurry,
grabbed my clothes in greatest hurry –
bolt for door (past zipper-jig)
lest he forgot his leaf of fig!
Author notes
True story!
In a list
A contest entry
- Celebrating my 500th trophy! by islekine.
700 points, ended March 4, 11 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - (#209) I can see the humor in that :) by daviscth.
600 points, ended July 2, 30 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 41 of 41
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Your brilliance shines!!!
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That is just too adorable....and perfect rhyme too!
I am very choosy when it comes to humorous poetry, but let me say the several pieces I've read of yours in this gender are just wonderful and worthy of much applause... Blue
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Haha! This was great! Hilarious! I've run into a few like this! This is great and based on a true story! Makes it even better! Haha! Yea the things you see at an apartment complex wash room!
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LOL!! While reading this I just knew it had to be true because no one could make up something like this! Thanks for the laugh. I loved it.
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LMBOO this was so funny, did not expect the ending like this but well expressed, flowed so effortlessly...thank you for sharing, good luck
M
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LOL---Very Funny and with flawless flow of the rhyming verse! A very enjoyable read---Great imagery in this one!
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LOL! This is HILARIOUS! A very funny story with excellent rhyming; light and easy to read. There are times when a good laugh can make the difference in how the moments and next few hours unfold: this is one of them. Congrats on the Spotlight, it's well-deserved.
AsIThink...
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I love your humor, all in rhyme and meter I couldn't ask for anything more- a good chuckle, fun to finger tap and flowing rhyme.
Loved it!
KW~
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I have always thought that true stories make for the best poems. You have just proved it. Thanks for the smile and for posting in my contest.
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Oh how hilarious. And I love the rhyme.
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Great
Can't think of anything but laughter.
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great laugh
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LOL loved this!
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Lol this is too funny
especially since it's a true story! Wonderful build up with great flow and rhyme. Thoroughly enjoyed this one Needed a good laugh and you sure gave me that!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Gaylene
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Very funny
Rhythm and Rhyme perfection. None of the rhyming felt forced and I am still chuckling at the images.
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Is it a true story? I wish I'd been there, lol
Though I'd probably been out that door even faster than you. Somethings you just don't want to see.
ten thousand cicadas sent me the link. She knows I'm far left of center and knew I'd like your funny poem.
Thanks for the smile.
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I imagine that you were in your zone when you wrote this jewel. I really enjoyed the quarters and thwarters, hatches and batches, you are a true poet to be able to snatch this straight from true life, it's the best kind of story...I am still smiling..thank you so much for the fun.
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Great! I loved this rhyming and your excellent choice and invention of words, zipper-jig or the other examples already mentioned by other visitors before. Thank God for those experiences keep life interesting, don't they? And they are a supply of ideas for good poetry, too...
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OMGoodness this is really good, and I really needed that laugh today! Thank you so much!
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Oh my gosh, I was not expected that ending! The rhymin is just amazing.
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Just so you know, Hon, this poem has been spotlighted!
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lol
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wow, that was so funny. i can't believe that actually happened. wow. brilliant.
Kaycee
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Wow. That's brilliant. -rofls-
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haha wow. thats awesome xD
the rhyming is great
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LOL I loved the rhyme and light hearted shock! What an experience.
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That was awesome! I loved that poem, and so funny. Great visual. Makes me want to stay out of my laundry room. Great!
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Story line and rhythm reads like a machine guns pop pop pop.Too funny! I'm visualizing this senerio unfolding. And if true,who could blame you escaping in the zip of time. Loved it!
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Ah, this is great. I love the way you made the picture come to life in my head. And, it is such a common sight to see, especially when you're dealing with an old, matter of fact and down to earth type like this fellow must have been, Even if he forgot his leaf of fig, I doubt he'd have cared who got a glimpse of what wasn't covered.
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Oh this is funny indeed, very cute I can see why its in the spotlight, a great poem congrats on the HM.
a chuckling this had me.
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Hysterically funny! I love that it is a true story, too. Aren't we hilarious people?
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poetry with humor, not seen much these days. Your rhyme enhanced the comedy. You have shown great skill as a poet.
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Lol, I like this alot haha, congrat on the trouphie. keep writing.
~ Chelsey
P.S. I would give you applades but I am all out of points. Sorry. -
Funny =]
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You are without any doubt amongst the greatest mirthbringers on AP and this has me grinning hugely, not easy before my first cup of tea after starting work!!!
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Once again...one of the best
is entered last...lol...thanks for entering!
Best wishes in the contest and always!
Write on!
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OhHHHHHHHH, this is priceless!!!!! I am thoroughly entertained. You have such an amazing sense of humor with phrases like "static thwarters", "geezer-bloke" and "zipper-jig." What an experience! I guess this was his usual custom, huh? And he thought YOU the intruder, not he! LOL
Really wonderful, enjoyable poetry. Thanks for the smiles!
.... leaf of fig... what a riot!
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Your rhymes are so clever - "static thwarters"!
I love this story!
Reminds me of a guy who pranced to the laundry room in his shower kilt, years ago when I and Bill first married and lived in a condo.
Reason enough to buy a single family home!
What is with it with these guys?
Don't they know women have eyes?
Yup, they know that bloody well -
May they fry in Laundry Hell!
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very very humourous.
All kudos to you....
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Great write!
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Oh, I love this poem so MUCH!
FUUNNNNNNY! Your rhyming is so skillfully done and I especially enjoyed going on this true life adventure with you because it is a REALITY poem, if there could be such a thing. lol Love the rhyme of hatches and batches. 
Jeez... he was undressing? I woulda bolted, too. BRAVO! 
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