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My parents bought this two-bedroom pier and beam home in September 1952. They lived in this home until 2002. It was in this home where they raised their three children, created memories, and lived their lives--ones of being quintessential parents, business owners, and neighbors. Our home was synonymous with family and love. I still recall the sadness and grief I felt as my brothers and I emptied the house of their belongs and put up the 'For Sale' sign, hence the reason for this poignant poem. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There is a sold sign on the lawn, In front of the house where I was born. Our family home where roots run deep, With connections to cherish, to hold, to keep. So many memories etched within, Though the images are fading, growing dim. A tie remains, a bond never to break, The time we shared not wishing to forsake. Not wanting to let go of the hand we once held, In a lifetime that belonged to another world. Empty echoes in empty rooms, Void of existence, silence in the gloom. Clearing the house has been a difficult task, Removing the possessions of our parents' past. The heart and soul of the house had gone, It remains just a memory, a distant song. It is with mixed feelings that I bid farewell, To our childhood home, now just an empty shell. Part of our spirit will always belong, Just like the chords of that distant song.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 4/21/2024 6:35:00 AM
The space that contained and nurtured childhood always remains sacred territory, one that memory fences and maintains regardless of what happens in the so called real world. You have preserved yours with reverence and love. An engaging and charged poem dear Sara.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/21/2024 6:08:00 PM
thanks, Paul, for your visit and for your insightful words. I like 'sacred territory.' Well said! I'm grateful you found my poem engaging. Your words mean a great deal to me. Many thanks and have a great evening, Sara
Date: 4/20/2024 6:03:00 PM
Dear Sara, Unlike now, when it appears like everyone requires a personal space, kids back then would often share rooms. How you feel now reveals a lot about the depth of the affection you felt for your family there. But no matter how far we wander, our roots and love attachments will always be there, supporting us in innumerable ways, both visible and invisible. This happened to me when my special kid went to live with a friend. It was quite difficult. Thankfully, it wasn't for an extended time before he returned to enter into matrimony and establish his own family.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/21/2024 4:56:00 AM
I'm grateful for your visit, dear Sotto, and for you sharing your thoughts and personal experiences. Yes, 'back in the day' children shared living spaces and never had thoughts about personal space...perhaps because everyone we knew lived the same way. You're right. Because I shared a bedroom with my two brothers, we remained close at least in heart and spirit. The bonds, respect, and love for one another are strong (visible and invisible) I imagine it was difficult for you when your child went to live with a friend--the physical bond broken. Glad to hear he was like the prodigal son and returned. You must be proud and happy that he married and started his own family. Although difficult, it's great being a dad! have a wonderful Sunday, Sara
Date: 4/20/2024 5:24:00 AM
This is heartfelt, Sara--some memories stay for life. Many will relate to this feeling you convey: --It is with mixed feelings that I bid farewell, To our childhood home, now just an empty shell---
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/20/2024 6:36:00 AM
grateful for your visit, Vijay. You're right, the poem is mixed bag of feelings. Great insight. Have a pleasant day, Sara
Date: 4/20/2024 3:35:00 AM
Your emotions are tell-tale of the love that you shared with your family in that home. It was a time when kids shared rooms, unlike today when it seems people think everyone needs their own space. My sister lives in the home we shared when we were young. Melancholy memories, Sara.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/20/2024 4:14:00 AM
aww, thank you for sharing your personal experiences with me. I agree. During our childhoods, we kids shared a bedroom and thought nothing of it. As a result, we learned to negotiate, tolerate, and understand personal boundaries without the need for physical 'space.' Glad to hear that someone in your family resides in your childhood home. I agree...melancholic memories. I deeply appreciate your visit and your words. Have a pleasant day, hugs, Sara
Date: 4/19/2024 8:14:00 PM
We never stray far from our roots, our loving relations -- they are always with in countless seen and unseen ways. Beautiful poem, Sara. I've been through this myself, dear parents long gone.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/20/2024 4:12:00 AM
such mindful and insightful words, Joe. Thank you for sharing them, for they touched my heart and soul. I'm grateful we have a shared experience. My dear parents passed 19 years ago, but the memory of that day lingers, hence the poem. Have a wonderful day, Sara
Date: 4/19/2024 6:47:00 PM
I have to favourite this. It speaks directly to me now as I clear my parents home with my brother. It's tough, it's brutal and emotional, it's sometimes beautiful unearthing lost memories. This poem helps the healing. Thank you, Sara. Blessings S :) x
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/20/2024 4:10:00 AM
thank you, dear Sam, for your visit and for sharing your own experiences. You're right. Clearing out one's parent's home is gut wrenching. The beauty lies in unearthing memories and facing the multi-faceted emotions. I'm humbly grateful for your fave...means a great deal to me as does your words. Have a blessed day, Sara

Book: Shattered Sighs