101 Elder Road
The house on Elder Street is old,
menopausal in fact,
with no signs of children at play.
A lovingly maintained lawn
rolls gently from front porch
to the vine-covered mailbox
standing guard alongside
the blacktop pavement.
No fences hinder a visitor,
four-legged or two.
Built of strong stuff,
possessing a concrete foundation,
its exterior is real brick - not veneer.
Belonging once to a king,
this castle’s only turret
is a mighty stone chimney
capable of warming hearth and hearts.
Inside, a man could serenade his wife
while she let down her hair
without the neighbors hearing.
Then why the carefully stenciled
‘Reduced for Quick Sale’ sign
plunged deeply into the earth
near the verdigris number marker?
Why not instead,
‘Costs More – Appreciated with Age’?
Weathered house or leathered man –
fewer days of existence
makes one more desirable,
they say.
Sometimes outward blemishes
become more a factor in determining worth
than warmth, character,
and undeniable inner-charm,
but true value can be recognized
in the beauty of a deal, not curb appeal.
101 Elder Road would be a good investment.
The spirit within comes free.
Copyright © Kay Caputi | Year Posted 2006
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