BROOM BEAUTY

 

I needed a new broom and headed out to the neighbourhood shop to get one.

 

Hey, something new!

 

Hanging from the racks are these beauties.

* * *
 

String and stalks of reed are woven into lovely designs on the broomstick.

 

The 'old style' broomsticks are just a bundle of stalks tied with string.

 

Of course I bought a colourful broom, though it costs a few cents more.

 
* * *
 

These traditional brooms are made from reed plants.

 

They are cheap (about US$3, Euro2.80) and good at sweeping away dust/dirt.

 

Best of all, they have a sweet, grassy smell that lingers in a freshly-swept room.

 

This is the smell of my childhood.

 

Starting from 6 years old, it was my job to sweep the floor every evening.

* * *
 

The drawback is the reed breaks and a new broom needed every few months.

 

 More families prefer those with nylon bristles. These last longer.

 

So, sadly, these traditional brooms are being shoved aside.  

 

But I'm sticking with tradition and will continue to use reed brooms,

especially if they are this pretty.
 
* * *
 

A chore has become enjoyable because the tool is beautiful.

 

~Ema N~

 

 

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