Mrs Anansi’s Dresses

Mrs Anansi’s Dresses

Mrs Anansi, dressed in a plain nightie, woke up early in the morning. She pulled out her old, grey wash tub, poured in some hot, hot, water, some soap powder, and sat down to wash her twelve favourite dresses.

Already the cheeky sun had woken up and was trying to push out his head. But little did she know that someone or something was watching her, keenly.

Mrs Anansi dipped the first dress into the bubbly froth then scrubbed, and rubbed and scrubbed some more until the dress was fresh and store-bought clean.

She gave each dress the same special treatment.

Singing this song as she washed…

“My dresses, my dresses my beautiful frocks

With bows and ribbons and matching socks.

My dresses my dresses, handmade with care

There’s no other dresses like these anywhere.”

With her eight legs in action, it didn’t take her long to finish her washing. She was eager to dash to Bethel Town Market to buy vegetables to make pepper soup before Anansi returned from his business trip. Pepper soup was Anansi’s favourite.

With her wash basket full, full of dripping dresses, she found some pegs and began to hang them up to dry. The sun was out now; proudly boasting.

Mrs Anansi was still unaware that two beady eyes watched her every move.

This is what she sang as she hung up her dresses.

“Look at my lemon splash dress with lace

This dress puts a smile on Anansi’s face.

And my soft pink dress with small polka dots

My, I’ve had this dress since my children were tots!

Oohh my honey orange striped dress looks so sweet

With matching hair band, to make my hair neat.

And my melon red dress with petty white flowers

I could wear this dress for hours and hours.

My black and white gingham that makes my eyes shine

Oh how I’m so happy that this dress is mine.

Look at my sky blue dress with a head scarf too

Everywhere I go people always make ado.

My blue floral dress with ribbons to match.

When Anansi sees me he’ll says, wow what a catch!

And my soft pastel pink dress with two large bows

It makes me look like a princess the way this dress flows.

My grass green dress with its clear purple dashes

With pleats all around and its deep purple sashes.

And my sandy brown dress with an apron, white.

I’m so proud of this dress, it gives such delight.

Oooh, my tropical sunshine colourful dress

I always wear this when I want to impress.

And lastly my favourite of all favourite frocks

Is this pearly white one, with matching white socks. “

With all her hanging, she didn’t realise that she had spun a large web and now found herself a bit tangled.

“Oh dear, this is going to make me late.” she said, trying to untangle herself.  But the more she twisted this way and that, the more tangled she became.  Luckily, up in the blue sky, Mr Crow, her neighbour, was flying and spotted her struggling.  With one swoop he flew down and pecked the web in two; sending Mrs Anansi, the washing line and all the dresses tumbling down.

“Sorrrrrry about dat,” said Mr Crow.  “Well, at least you’re untangled now. I must dash. I’m going to Bethel Town Market. Byeeeee”.

“Thanks,” growled Mrs Anansi.  “This is going to make me even later!” She sprang to action, wasting no time hammering the washing line in place and hanging up her dresses again.

“That’s better. I must hurry,” she said, pulling up her husband’s unflattering overalls. What an embarrassment, she thought, if Anansi caught me wearing these unflattering overalls.

The walk to the market was getting more unbearable as the sun danced on Mrs Anansi’s head.  She finally arrived at the market hot, flustered and not feeling glamorous in her husband’s overalls.

She hustled and bustled her way around the busy market until she had purchased most of her vegetables. But soon became distracted when she spotted an amazing hat only half the price. “This will go nicely with my tropical dress. Anansi will love me in this!” she said, and before she realised what she was doing, she bought it.

Soon she was half way home when she remembered she had forgotten to buy the pepper.

“I’ve haven’t got any pepper for the soup! And I’ve got no time to go back. What a mess!”

“Nooooo pepper for pepper soup? Dat’s tragic!” said a familiar voice behind her. It was Mr Crow again.  “Here, take one of mine; I’ve got plenty in my bag. What would you doooo without me?” He said and flew off.

“Thanks!” she said and hurried home with speed.

When she eventually arrived home, to her horror all her beautiful dresses had gone.

“My dresses, my dresses my beautiful frocks

With bows and ribbons and matching socks.

My dresses my dresses, handmade with care

There’s no other dresses like these anywhere.”

“Who could have stolen all my beautiful, beautiful dresses? Now what am I going to wear when Anansi arrives?  Mrs Anansi flopped down and cried, spilling vegetables and hat everywhere.

“Don’t cry dear; please don’t cry,” came a soft voice she recognised.  “I was the one  who took all your dresses. I waited until you left this morning.  But don’t worry, my sweet, I’ve got a surprise for you inside,” said Anansi.

Mrs Anansi wiped her eyes with the handkerchief hidden in one the pockets and followed her husband inside, still looking bewildered.  But when she saw her surprise, she screamed with delight and hugged Anansi with all her legs.

There were twelve of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen.  Sparkling, satin designer, long gown, evening, puff sleeves, long and elegant, lace, tropical, patterned, glittery and gold. Stunning dresses dazzling the room.

“Those old, unfashionable dresses had to go.  So I gave them away. You’ve gone without new dresses for so long, sacrificing for me. But that’s going to change from now on. I’m going to buy you fresh, fashionable dresses every year. So sit down, my sweet. Put all your feet up, and let me prepare dinner.

“My dresses, my dresses all lovely in design

From top to bottom, these dresses are mine!

My dresses, my dresses all sparkling new

I feel like a princess and it’s all because of you!”

“You always look like a princess to me. Even in my overalls!” said Anansi and they both laughed and laughed until the evening sun settled down to sleep.

!