Antiques At the Sawmill

Mom has always loved antiques
I have never asked her why
Perhaps it's the connection to the past
Maybe the craftsmanship
The smell of ancient wood
The curves
The fact that they were built to last

She turned a passion into a business
A few small pieces in her living room
A sign on a door
Interesting how businesses are born
Bob there by her side
Together building on her dream

There once was an old sawmill
Where men had worked with their hands
Hard work had its demands
Each one did what he could
Their strength remains
Locked within the wood
Those same hands had built mom's home
Over one hundred years ago
Time dripped on it didn't slow
Mom's home became the perfect place
To celebrate the past
Her home and business
Built from things that were made to last

The business grew
Taking over the home
Visits from patrons
Calls on the phone
Busy all the time 
No space for them to be alone
It became time 
For them to expand
They looked to the future
The life they planned
Built on their historic land 

A new addition built from old wood
Soaring ceiling
Above them stood
I remember the beams 
Spectacular
From an old barn hewn from fir
Lifted on Bob's wide strong back
Formerly they had been just a stack
A one of a kind home
Filled with love
With bedrooms and landing up above
The kitchen was the centre piece
A place to gather
Filled with love and peace

Love of the past
Hope for the future
Has alway been a part of her
Together melded and celebrated
As a result I appreciate
The solid
The values
The ingenuity
Forever engrained in my blood
My respect for the old
My admiration  of antiques

Remnants of the business still remain
The building sold
Mom loves going to auctions
She still sells at local Antique Markets
Sadly Bob has passed on
Thankfully mom has moved on from her sad
She too is made of stronger stuff
Not unlike
Her beloved
Antiques

An old poem and this one is about old things.
For Broken Wings' contest. Written April 13 2013
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Roper Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 9:24 PM
Great write, Richard, congratulations on your win Hugs Eve
La France Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 6:01 PM
Richard, congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderfully penned poem, I liked it a lot ~
Onclaud Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 10:21 AM
so well done with marvelous images, rich... another round of congrats to you.. huggs
Lamoureux Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 10:22 AM
Hello again Nette, it's always nice to have a visit from you.
Jones Avatar
May 1, 2014 at 9:34 AM
Love this Richard....my home too is filled with antiques...and the flawed...not so perfect mismatched....old...I share your moms love and joy of keeping the stories and work of the past alive...
Lamoureux Avatar
May 1, 2014 at 9:45 AM
I just rewrote this one this morning. I am heading out the door. I will visit later. Hugs Rick.
Toil Avatar
April 27, 2014 at 8:10 AM
Hi Rick! A beautiful story of the cycle of life woven around the theme of antiques. The birth and death of your Mom's business, of the house. And through it all the constancy of the antiques which somehow survive it all. Maybe that is what draws us to antiques. They are in a sense immortal. And we somehow attach ourselves to that immortality when we surround ourselves with them. An enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing...BH
Lamoureux Avatar
April 27, 2014 at 8:55 AM
I very much enjoyed this comment, it resonates with me. Thanks.
Enriquez Avatar
April 26, 2014 at 8:14 PM
Dear Richard: Ahh! Such are the pulse strings of memories, cherished and remembered. Lovely... These "antiques" moments flashing by like visual art. A one of a kind Antique vintage from you. Good job here. Loved it. Thanks. Leon
Lamoureux Avatar
April 27, 2014 at 8:54 AM
Thanks Leon, a very thoughtful comment.
Sirak Avatar
April 26, 2014 at 4:59 PM
A loving tribute to your mother and to things of the past. Antiques were once loved and tended to by someone long gone now.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 26, 2014 at 5:54 PM
;0)
Carrillo Avatar
April 25, 2014 at 2:11 PM
Hi Richard; I too love Antiques.It' a part of the past., besides sometimes they are worth a lot of money. I have dishes and depression glass. Thanks for sharing... Lucilla hi Richard; This is so nice. I too love An
Lamoureux Avatar
April 25, 2014 at 2:25 PM
Thanks Lucilla, check out my moms poem at Mama Bear for her insight on the story.
Kendrick Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Great work honoring your mom and Bob..Some antiques were made to last and were nice and some were not so nice..Reads like a winner for the contest..Sara
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:11 AM
Check out Mama Bear's site, she adds to the story. Thanks for commenting Sara.
Allison Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 7:14 AM
Good luck in the contest Richard this is such a beautiful heartfelt write. Hugs Jan x
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:12 AM
See my comment above.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 7:32 AM
Thanks Jan.
Hamilton Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 4:40 AM
these memories are so very precious Rick you have done your mum and Bob proud ty for enjoying do you really know him hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:13 AM
Go to Mama bear for more of the story.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 7:33 AM
Thanks and good morning Shadow.
Callus Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 12:45 PM
I love this Richard! Perhaps because at heart I'm a romantic with a soft heart. It's a poem of character, even stronger than the antiques you write about. Memories...a hidden store we can rely on in times of need. // Loved reading Mama Bear's loving comments:) // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:17 AM
Click on Mama Bear below for more of the story.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:16 AM
Hi Paul, check out my moms site Mama Bear for more of her story.
Kos Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 10:22 PM
Spanish. I'm sorry, Mr. Lamoureux. Besides perfect English you speak perfect French too? I like French-language poetry. I wish i could read it in FR instead of translations.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 4:53 PM
Hi Paul The vocabulary comment was meant for Evo.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 4:52 PM
Your vocabulary seems pretty good to me. What is your mother tongue?
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 1:55 PM
So glad you enjoyed it. I enjoy your positive visits.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 1:53 PM
Thanks Paul for the touching comment. Take care.
Kos Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 12:45 PM
This can win the contest!!!! I used to be an antique dealer with a Basque friend who was also a lawyer. ---Wow! I love how I learn new words reading your poems and comments, Sir. This improves my vocabulary.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:00 AM
I wish I spoke French but sadly my grandfather was the last in the family to speak the language.
Bear Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 11:52 AM
This is definitely a fav. How poignant!! What great memories you have brought back Most of all you remember the love we had for each other, for our home, our families and our business. Sadly things change but memories are forever. Thank you my son for remembering and putting it on paper Love always Mom/mamabear
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 12:02 PM
No thanks required mom. I used to love looking through the store and also the "chip off the old block" every time I go into an antique store or pawn shop A flood of happy feelings go through my mind. You are loved!
Onclaud Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 11:09 AM
each antique has a character of it own, much like your poignant story.. solid write, rich.. huggs
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:20 AM
Click on mama ear above for more of her story.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 11:36 AM
Higgs back and thanks Nette.
Manassian Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 10:12 AM
Oh....I LOVE antiques...What depth and beauty, Richard. This will do SO well. I love it!!!
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 10:44 AM
Thanks but I can't enter it, it is to long.
Mehta Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 9:58 AM
Very unique take on the theme, Richard
Lamoureux Avatar
April 24, 2014 at 8:21 AM
Click on Mama Bear above for more of her story.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 10:07 AM
I can't enter it because I have to many lines.
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