Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE YOUNG LAUNDRYMAN by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: LADIES, I CRAVE YOUR INDULGENCE FOR
Last Line: YOUR HUSBAND'S SHIRTS TO WASH, PLEASE, FOR WU KEE.
Subject(s): ASIAN AMERICANS; LAUNDRY & LAUNDERING;

Ladies, I crave your indulgence for
My friend Wu Kee; young, agile, clear-eyed
And clean-limbed, his muscles ripple
Under the thin blue shirt; and his naked feet, in
Their straw sandals, lift at the heels, shift and
Find new postures continually.

Your husband's shirts to wash, please, for Wu Kee.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net