Swimming in the ocean or a river wasn't always known as “swimming” to everyone. Some people from long ago used to call it, “Goin' in a washin”. Now, as strange as that may sound, there was some great validity to it because at that time there were no convenient shower or bath stalls within the houses. Why many didn't even have the luxury of indoor plumbing for that matter, but, nonetheless, the weekly or biweekly bath was deemed a necessary part of hygiene so people “washed” in the river or ocean.
Sometimes the filth and dirt from outdoors just clings to the body. Sometimes there seems to be grease and grunge that shows up from everywhere, and there is nothing like getting rid of that dirt and funky smell. Soaps and shampoos with a rugged man-like scent or a flowery fragrance invigorates, stimulates and enlivens the skanky body. However, there is another reason for “goin' in a washin”.
What about all the filth that one hears in a day? Gossip here, gossip there; fabrications here, fabrications there; dirty stories here; dirty stories there; backbiting, backstabbing, ridicule and strife; hatred, discrimination, prideful looks and fights; Could the list go on and on, a bit afraid I be. I think I'll go in a washin' now, I just turned off TV.
Until tomorrow...Why Say More?
This post started out I thought you were describing Haiti! Remembering those "going a washin" experiences. Now Patrick has showers (indoor, no less). You should go and try them out.
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