Notes About The Poem

Abandoned

I'd married at 21 and moved overseas with my husband's work, so it had been many years since I had visited my gran at Rose Cottage. I was taken by surprise when I received a letter from her solicitor informing me of my inheritance. Her cottage had been vacated when she went into a care home, and sadly she passed away a few years later. Gran had been widowed at an early age so I’d never met grandpa.  I was her only grandchild and had such fond memories of spending summer holidays with her. 

ripe red strawberries boiling in the copper pan I label jam jars
When I pulled into the driveway I was shocked to see how dilapidated the cottage was. Green shutters were hanging off their hinges and paint was peeling from the window frames. I recalled the perfectly manicured lawns and cottage garden flowers which were gran’s pride and joy, now a forest of dandelions sprouted from the lawn and brambles snaked their way through the honeysuckle arch way. I picked my way through the vegetation which was covering the moss covered path and turned the key in the lock; the heavy oak door creaked like my arthritic joints. Gran’s cosy cottage had always been spick and span, but now every surface was covered with a layer of thick grey dust and lacy cobwebs hung from the black beams on all the ceilings. As I wandered through the empty rooms my footsteps echoed on the old pine floorboards which were littered with strips of wallpaper falling from the damp walls. My heart sank when I saw how much work was needed to restore and modernise the old stone cottage, but with time and effort and help from my family I’m determined to bring it back to its former glory
neglected cottage in need of renovation rambling roses bloom
Fiction poem for Thesaurus - Abandon or Abandoned Poetry Contest Sponsored by Dear Heart POEM AWARDED POEM OF THE DAY 06/14/20
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Darnell Sr Avatar
July 2, 2020 at 10:35 PM
Hello Jan, Enjoyed this poem to the potential it was written and meant to be. Fictional or not, you had me from start to finish. And congratulations, POTD too. Two wins, what a delight, truly it was a story to be told. Well versed and a well-penned write, it is one of my favorites now. And, thank you deeply, for getting me out and reading. I saw this and said, hey, she commented on my blog post? Best of Wishes, William
Allison Avatar
November 11, 2020 at 4:56 PM
so sorry I missed replying sooner William, its so good to see you back on the site again, stay well my friend:-) hugs jan xx
De Beaulieu Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 12:43 PM
Hello Jan, i know you will restore the cottage to the way you would like it to be. I felt like I walked through the cotta\ge with you. Enjoy your day my friend. hugs.Darlene.
De Beaulieu Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 5:34 PM
Hello Jan glad that it is fictional. Yet to me it was real. Enjoy your day my friend. Hugs.
Allison Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 2:22 PM
thanks Darlene sadly it is just a fictional poem, thanks for your comment:-) hugs Jan xx
Buck Avatar
June 27, 2020 at 3:53 PM
Jan: At first I thought you had driven past my place, then I remembered you live too far away. Nice work, vivid picture, great tale. Keep them coming. And Thanks again for sharing with all of us on the soup. oldbuck
Allison Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 2:22 PM
thanks so much Old Buck it is so kind of you to drop by :-) hugs Jan xx
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 25, 2020 at 7:57 AM
Magnificent penning Jan! Some of your best work in my opinion. Muchos congratulations. xomo!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 25, 2020 at 11:32 AM
Hey, I am a fan of your indecent poetry ;), and every once in a while... I write a long poem! <3
Allison Avatar
June 25, 2020 at 9:07 AM
Thanks Mo think its proof I can write a decent poem and it is one of my personal favourites too:-) hugs jan xx
La France Avatar
June 24, 2020 at 7:22 PM
Jan, congratulations on your win in my abandon contest with this beautifully penned poem, can I say WOW, you are a story teller dear one, and another big congratulations on POTD with this beauty which I must FAV_Constance
Allison Avatar
June 25, 2020 at 4:17 AM
Thank YOU for taking me out of my comfort zone of humour and encouraging me to try different forms through your contests, this is one of my personal faves this year and proof I can write a decent poem:-) hugs jan xx
Deepa Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 12:42 PM
Wow.. beautiful narration with amazing imageries:-)Loved this fictional write mam. Congratulations for your deserved win:-) Keep writing.Keep inspiring:-) Take care.With love~Deepa:-)
Allison Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 1:22 PM
thanks V Deepa:-) hugs jan xx
Mishra Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 8:04 AM
Already my fave and I am back to congratulate you on your win Jan. Much love :)
Allison Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 8:23 AM
thanks Aditi especially for the fave:-) hugs jan xx
Kitchin Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 11:51 AM
Back to congratulate you on your first place win Jan! hugs
Allison Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 8:23 AM
I;m so happy Tania:-) hugs Jan xx
Duet Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 5:24 PM
A vivid and interesting story/poem, Jan. So easily imagined...and congrats to you too.
Allison Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 8:22 AM
thanks Carole:-) hugs Jan xx
Koplin Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 11:52 AM
I’m sorry I missed this Jan. What a wonderful poem. I felt like I was right there with you. Wonderfully penned!! Congratulations on you well deserved POTD!
Allison Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 2:43 PM
Thanks Mark I surprised myself with this one and was delighted to get POTD:-) hugs Jan xx
Daniel Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 9:40 AM
Great how each one has an interpretation of the word "abandoned" :) nice haibun, Jan:)
Allison Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 2:42 PM
Ive seen such a diversity in themes:-) hugs jan xx
Messina Avatar
June 18, 2020 at 10:15 PM
When ever I need a smile I can always look forward to reading one of your poems. Fantastic poetry, Jan. Belated congrats on POTD. Hugs // Charlie xx
Allison Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 2:52 AM
Thanks Charlie I am really proud of this one!:-) hugs jan xx
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 8:43 AM
Congratulations on POTD Jan! I am afraid my brain is too scant to give this the proper read it deserves my dear, please, if I am not back in a few days, remind me. Hugs! xomo
Allison Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 5:02 PM
thanks Mo:-) hugs Jan xx
Mcgee Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 8:10 AM
A lovely project and contrats on your POTD
Allison Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 5:02 PM
thanks Jeanne:-) hugs Jan xx
Michael Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 7:09 AM
Back to Congratulate you on POTD...All the best Jan
Allison Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 5:01 PM
thanks Arturo:-) hugs Jan xx
Kauffman Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 1:11 AM
A beloved cottage given a new life - a resurrection - memoreis given new life. So many cozy images, Jan. Congratulations on you POTD. So enjoyed it. Brought back memories of our my grandparents summer house. Thank you!
Allison Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 5:01 PM
thanks Sam:-) hugs Jan xx
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:59 PM
That is so wonderful Jan. So happy you got to see your mum and connecting with your friend. I am having a super day myself. Cheers for you again. love, Connie xxoo
Allison Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 5:00 PM
thanks Connie:-) hugs Jan xx
Wolf Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:23 PM
Back with congrats on POTD, my friend! :) Gershon
Allison Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 5:00 PM
thanks GW:-) hugs Jan xx
Roper Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 9:24 PM
A wonderful poem, Jan, I thought I wrote something this morning on this and it looks like I didn't. Congratulations on POTD. Hugs Eve
Allison Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 4:59 PM
thanks Eve:-) hugs Jan xx
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 6:40 PM
Back with my congrats, Jan, and not surprised. This is poetry at its best. :) Rhonda xx
Allison Avatar
June 17, 2020 at 4:59 PM
thanks Rhonda:-) hugs Jan xx
Riabi Dziri Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:53 AM
A soul whose heart and mind recognise the value of a pulsating life would ever strive to bring life and glory to memories and what ever to us belong.. So profound and of worth what you have presented in a heartfelt poetry! Congratulations on your POTD honour, JAN! A well deserved acknowledgement! My deepest regards and blessings.
Allison Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:59 AM
what a lovely comment, thanks Besma:-) hugs jan x
Watt Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:10 AM
Enjoyed the journey with you Jan, both sad and nostalgic. More wonderful writing from your golden pen. I applaud you for the POTD selection, hope you are enjoying the honour. Hugs, John
Allison Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:59 AM
thanks John its been a wonderful day, potd, seeing mum for 15 mins and meeting my lovely friend for coffee:-) hope all is good with you and your loved ones:-) we are now 28 days with no cases and the 'state of emergency' will be lifted next week ... but the border will remain closed for the forseeable future:-) hugs jan xx
Wanter Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 10:49 AM
Enjoyable reading - a nice change of pace. Congratulations!
Allison Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:57 AM
thanks Sunlite:-) hugs jan xx
Toney Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 10:15 AM
Nicely done, Jan. This is a Fav! Congratulations on Poem of the Day! ~Mark
Allison Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:57 AM
aww thanks Mark I am so proud of the way this turned out:-) hugs Jan xx
Goldsmith Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. I took a walk with you through your cottage. Fix it up and we can have some tea. Enjoy your win and day...........
Allison Avatar
June 16, 2020 at 11:56 AM
thanks Paula:-) hugs jan xx
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace