Empty House
Empty House
Weather beaten, sun-baked
Rickety, rackety siding,
Falling apart, worn of age
Tucked away midst bushes and brambles,
Rattling windows and dusty ledges
Battled the cold wintry breeze.
The sun porch protected the old frame
From harsh prairie winds and snow.
The wood box inside the porch was always full,
Now empty, overcome by cob-webs and moths,
Painted walls, seasoned with smoke
From the wood-burning stove and pipes
Rays of sunlight now light the room.
I seem to hear the sound of a kettle sputtering
On a well-stoked fire,
Mingled with the fresh aroma of coffee.
Creaky, scuffed up old carpet marks
Ah, Sunday gatherings, Christmas,
Dad read the Bible round the family circle.
Sunflower seeds fell lavishly, roasted and all!
Games –“fruit basket upset!”
They dashed for mom’s round chair,
I remember the pile of spokes!
Glued and fixed it sat once again,
Restored, by the old bouker stove -
The warmth, I feel it yet!
Glancing over the threshold where the kerosene lamp
Once sat, casting a dim ray of light.
An old bed post, a torn mattress –
Only cast a haunting shadow of yesterday.
The living room carpet, now well worn,
The old wooden rocker in the corner –
Mom’s oasis from tiring years,
Upstairs, the rooms, the noise – laughter,
Squeaky stairs – how well I remember!
All these – a barrage of memories dear,
In the empty house.
Susan Fox
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
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
