De Gemeenschap. Jaargang 10

[p. 246]

L. Sieburgh
Hot water and soap

They wash away their sins and tears,
Their misery and their grubby smears,
Their lies, their deeds of dark retreat,
And make themselves look tidy'nd neat
With hot water and soap!

Their clothes and skins are in it drenched,
Their thirst for life is by it quenched.
It gives them back their self-respect,
When money's gone and life is wrecked,
This hot water and soap!

The smell of it is always there.
It seems to purify the air
Of human sweat and honest blood.
Wash, when they've rolled you in the mud,
With hot water and soap!