All Was Dark

Sewing machine, long idle, gathered dust. Simple, forgotten pattern on the floor. Gears, shuttles long ago covered with rust. Windows nailed shut and no knob for the door. Gone was the laughter that once filled the room - Mechanical sounds as patterns were changed. Ah, there was once life where now there is gloom, And spirits rose and fell as war news ranged. The war years seemed like only yesterday As I walked among detritus long dead. I still hear him,"There will be hell to pay!" While he walked and sputtered and scratched his head. My heart ached for those I had loved back then. My eyes looked 'round and I recalled that spark. I smiled, rubbed my old balding head and then The candle sputtered, spent, and all was dark. 4-26-18 For contest One Nine and Sixteen for Viv Wigley