Together we climbed up the stairs br 'now come on matey' Nanna said. br Once at the top both entered there br while she decided what to wear br so after while the sun streamed in br warm water filled the sink within br removed with care as one by one; br work clothes off afternoon clothes on; br 'Wright's coal tar' and the job was done. br br Decision taken turned to say br 'a lick and a promise today'. br Donned soft clean vest; stiff long line bra br extra best support 'cross your heart' br struggled with hooks and hauled it up br big, thick, white a double F cup. br Next in fact was just like murder br jerk, tug, yank hoisted the girdle! br Like clearing a major hurdle. br br Chatted on with her granddaughter br dirty underclothes and water br thus swiftly cleared of all the mess br pretty petticoat, floral dress. br At length we'd pass along the stairs br a bedroom with the horse hair chair; br then cocked left ankle on right knee br rolled up stocking, chit chat with me br relaxed, that's how we used to be. br br Sliding doors of lemon black stripe br in the dressing table; behind br ever faithfully guarded pearls br there lived a fairy with Nan's jewels. br Fixed suspenders, checked seams were straight br impossible contortions made! br Memories of joy and laughter br how I miss such treasured chatter br hope she waits in the here after.br br Gillian.E.