Days Gone By

The monster of a gate commanded my attention
Heavy,wrought iron, ornate. A definite unquestionable boundary
It guided to a beautifully shaped pool 
My gaze traveled to the house, three full stories
I imagined large rooms, the kind that could welcome a 10 foot 
Christmas tree and both sides of the family.
Large shuttered windows strategically placed, it was a beauty.
This house had lived

Mommas had worn the floor rocking their babies 
Cowboys had blown out birthday candles 
And princesses had danced on their daddy’s shoes
How many paths had been paced waiting for that 
Precious one to cross the threshold
How many goodnight kisses had been stolen before they crossed


Stockings had been hung, eggs had been hunted 
Mother’s and Father’s Day presents glued and colored
And heads bowed before supper


The welcoming porch hugged and the perimeter of the front 
Large wicker chairs with plumped pillows on either side of the open
Window while the curtain blew in the breeze
How many glasses of lemonade on hot afternoons, hands raised as
Neighbors passed, and bowls of homemade ice cream after church


What color had the house been, it was now hard to say
Not enough paint left to peel. The shutters hung crooked and the 
Thousands of footsteps had worn the porch thin while small
Houses ate it’s yard
The big gate guarded a stained, empty swimming pool
And the ghost of giggles from days gone by
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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

Chircop Avatar
May 2, 2009 at 3:12 PM
the ghost of giggles from days gone by-this verse bring nostalgia of the past,it reminded me of a house my grandparents used to live in,then they moved,but that house still capture my heart when i pass it,its old now,huge and turned into agencies,but i have childhood memories there,and i remember the giggles so well-thanks for reminding me through your detailed poetry-to my fav my friend---charma
Williams Avatar
May 2, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Hi Laurie... :) ::: You could feel the years of time, the passing moments... the question of where and when they had all gone.... even the "why" echoed through the last stanza... to the soul of a home, now empty and uncared for.... should we build them and then like children building sand castles... then smash them down.... happy for the time spent in building them....
Devonshire Avatar
April 30, 2009 at 9:38 PM
Just love old houses like the one you describe, Laurie. Today we see too many cookie-cutter homes that lack character. This sounds like a fun renovation project-in-waiting. Very nice, Laurie! Love that last line -- "ghost of giggles" evokes lovely images of happy children.
Richards Avatar
April 30, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Oh my goodness Laurie.....how about you and I go on a house-hunt, look for this place...refurbish it, bring it back to it's beautiful hey-day...let it ring again with the laughter of family, children, holidays, happiness, love and magic. I want to live there...if it's big enough....we can all share the beauty...ghosts and all!! Lovely poem!! :)
Rhinem Avatar
April 30, 2009 at 1:57 PM
...."Excellent & Beautiful Poem Laurie Ginn"~"My Love Always To 'You & Your Loves Dear Lady,' Forever, John!!!"~"Have A Very Brilliantly Bright Day!!!!":):) Bye ~
Rhinem Avatar
April 30, 2009 at 1:56 PM
....The imagery is very vivid and exquisite, while being told within a voice very soft and tender!!!!:):)~They say that within many homes, the walls are living and breathing testaments, unto those precious hearts, souls and lives, whom occupied their spaces afore....It seems as though "You" have captured this sentiment, within "Your Wonderful & Lovely Write Here!!!?":):)....cont....
Rhinem Avatar
April 30, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Smile~This is a very intriguing write here dear lady~one to be read slowly, time and time again....And I have a feeling that it is a real house; rather than one created within "Your Wonderful Imagination!!!?":):)~And it seems and feels, as though "You Reached Into Your Beautiful Soul," while in writing it!!? Which in turn, paints it perhaps as a warm place within "Your Lovely Heart!!!?":):)....cont....
Bingham Avatar
April 30, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Laurie there used to be four or five houses in my old hometown that would fit your description, thankfully they put together a committee and restored the old homes. Now they stand in all their glory once again. Laurie I want to thank you for all your support and wonderful comments. You are a treasure. God Bless. Ron
Higgins Avatar
April 30, 2009 at 8:40 AM
This is done very well..the setting of your poem is wonderful..I was able to see this place and imagine the ghost laughing idly in this empty space..love the imagery you also included..the memories of this now quiet place can still be heard through your pen...well done.
Kroeger Avatar
April 30, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Beautiful! Absalutly beautiful.
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