The poem begins with the speaker, a woman likely of modest means, hanging laundry on the line. This everyday task becomes a metaphor for her life, as she sees her clothes "flapping like a bird" in the wind, a symbol of both her freedom and her limitations.
The poem then shifts to a reflection on the woman's past, her dreams and aspirations, and the hardships she has faced. She remembers her "golden hair" and "dreams of love" that have faded with time, replaced by "the wear and tear of life."
Despite these struggles, the speaker shows resilience and acceptance. The clothesline, a symbol of her daily chores, becomes a reminder of her strength and resourcefulness. She takes pride in her work and finds solace in the simple act of hanging laundry.
The poem ends with a sense of quiet hope and dignity. While the speaker acknowledges the weight of life's burdens, she finds beauty and meaning in the ordinary moments, just like the "little white clouds" that drift by in the sky. The clothes-line, once a symbol of routine, becomes a testament to her enduring spirit.