IN THE DAYS before pine cleaners in liquid form became commonly available in every grocery store, the old pine-cleaner was a familiar sight in city neighborhoods, strolling up the street and singing his pine-cleaner’s song:

Any dirty old pines to be cleaned,
And restored to original luster?
Whether one pine, or two, or a cluster,
Any dirty old pines to be cleaned?

Of my art all the secrets I’ve gleaned,
And my work, I am sure, will pass muster.
Here I come with my chamois and duster:
Any dirty old pines to be cleaned?