Home » Poems » Ellen Gwaltney Bales » Going To New Castle

Going To New Castle

When shall we go I ask my friend The question of the hour Tomorrow we might go It isn’t supposed to rain Perhaps next week instead Oh but then we say next month We will go then When the leaves are falling We’ll leave before Christmas Surely we will beat the snow But will we beat the wrecking crew The house has stood near two centuries The roof has caved in Are the floors safe She lived there once When it was a beauty In her eyes it is, still When shall we go

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Ellen Gwaltney Bales

Date: 10/25/2023 2:41:00 PM

You are very perceptive, Gary. I appreciate your remarks so much. I believe you are one who truly understands this piece. Thank you! Ellen

Gary Radice
Date: 10/27/2023 12:29:00 AM

When reading it I imagined it being recited and hearing the conversational tone changes and the pauses and the sadness being conveyed. Cheers - Gary

Gary Radice

Date: 10/24/2023 11:23:00 PM

An air of sadness and poignancy drips from your words Ellen. 'Progress' doesn't recognize memories. I particularly like the 'putting off' going and the air of inevitability that pervades your lines. Cheers - Gary

Ellen Gwaltney Bales
Date: 10/25/2023 2:41:00 PM

You are very perceptive, Gary. I appreciate your remarks so much. I believe you are one who truly understands this piece. Thank you! Ellen

Ilene Bauer

Date: 8/7/2023 11:35:00 AM

this is very well expressed, ellen! sometimes it's best to let things live on only in our memories...

Jan Allison

Date: 8/7/2023 11:12:00 AM

aww what a touching piece Ellen, I went back to my childhood home area and wished I hadnt as all the memories were dashed as it had changed beyond all recognition but a dilapidated house as in your poem still has those memories attached. hugs Jan xx