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Miss Amelia Havisham's Garden Shed

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Originally published: 22nd April 2021

Image by gR

Poetry Soup's POEM OF THE DAY (23rd April 2021)

As featured in The Poetry Soup Anthology "PS: It's Still Poetry"

This Poem was placed 1st in the "ALL YOURS April 23" Poetry Contest sponsored by Brian Strand (Judged 21st May 2021)

Recital by Line Gauthier

Listen to poem:

between the plant pots and the trays the cobwebs had seen better days and for all the wood and damp and soil the smell was one of paint and oil as flies and wasps lying in state were curled up past their fly-by-date and nails and screws and metal hooks shared space on shelves with brewery books beneath a clock with broken hands where time stood still amongst the cans and jam jars full of pip-like seeds stood next to things that no one needs and while her tears had stained the glass that looked out on the unkempt grass upon the floor amid the mess ..a letter and her wedding dress.

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Marikate Kingston

Date: 5/31/2025 4:23:00 PM

I wish I could sit with her and hear her stories over time, such a myriad of them I bet if she decided to share. I want know her more. I have never read the book, but I am now motivated to. What a descriptive and interesting poem> I guess it's a weird thing to say, but I'd love to smell her surroundings. I wonder if they would tell me something? Right now I am left wondering and wanting to read the poem or book.

Gary Radice
Date: 6/1/2025 1:57:00 AM

When it comes to Charles Dickens my favourite of his was always "Great Expectations". I won't ruin things for you if you are going to read the novel but Miss Havisham certainly has an interesting back story. I thought the idea of transplanting items from her life story into a shed where they lie forgotten was an interesting idea that just popped into my head one day when attempting to clean my own garden shed. :) Cheers - Gary

Bryan Norton

Date: 10/9/2024 4:24:00 PM

Hi Gary, I enjoyed, greatly, this clever write of yours. I don't think you have a fly-by date. Hope all your loved ones are well. Your friend, Bryan

Gary Radice
Date: 10/9/2024 10:48:00 PM

I'm glad you like it Bryan, thank you. All doing well thanks. This is one of three poems that Line very kindly agreed to recite and I think it adds extra depth. I still wish I had added a few things on the shelves in the shed that featured in the story..like the pack of cards Estella played with Pip..little things like that but the poem has been published in a PS anthology now and I wouldn't want to change Line's wonderful recital. Cheers - Gary

Christina Bowring

Date: 2/1/2024 12:08:00 AM

This is such a wonderful write Gary and I can clearly see (read) why it is so loved. The recital enhances it to its full beauty. It’s such a captivating read where the reader gets drawn into the scene. So wonderfully descriptive and I absolutely love the reference to Miss Havisham which I picked up instantly. One of his greatest novels for sure. You have a wonderful gift and I do hope you find the inspiration to continue to bring joy to many.

Gary Radice
Date: 2/1/2024 1:59:00 AM

Thank you Christina. Ever since I had to study ‘Great Expectations’ at school many moons ago I have always been fascinated by Miss Havisham’s back story. A good helping of poetic license and a quick look inside my own garden shed gave rise to this poem :) I’ve just completed my 100th poem here at The Soup. The 100 poems have taken me over 4 years to complete and that’s pretty good going by my standards so I say don’t worry about taking your time, as long as you enjoy writing. Cheers - Gary

Christina Bowring
Date: 2/1/2024 12:10:00 AM

However, I do understand about just one page as I thought that for myself. But, I write so slow that it will probably take me a lifetime to fill anyway :) Thank you for sharing your gift. Blessings to you.

Jim Dunlap

Date: 1/10/2024 2:46:00 AM

Excellent poem sir; 0ne of the best I have seen on Poetry Soup. Keep on writing; never give up.

Gary Radice
Date: 1/10/2024 3:14:00 AM

Thanks Jim, I will and I won't. :) Cheers - Gary

Bryan Norton

Date: 12/5/2023 9:33:00 AM

Hi Gary, This was a charming little poem that reveals more about your considerable talent. Your writing and rhyming is more risky and confident than my own, which I really love about you. Of course, the fact that I have never left the U.S. may have something to do with it. Maybe. Take care, Bryan.

Gary Radice
Date: 12/5/2023 10:45:00 AM

Hi Bryan. Great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Thanks for your great comments. I have to say Bryan I love your rhyming skills and your poetry. You are a master of the rhyming word and I look forward to catching up with your latest work soon. I've been having some issues with the mp3 files that keep disappearing from my poems so I hope you were able to listen to Line's recital of this poem. She has a wonderful voice. I've reloaded it just in case you didn't catch it. I've been taking a break from writing poetry recently and debating whether my one page of poems here at The Soup is it for me. I think there's a danger I'll just end up repeating themes and ideas I've already visited. I'll see how the land lies after Christmas and decide then whether there's another couple of poems in me. There probably still will be. :) All the best and Cheers - Gary

Christopher Bowen

Date: 4/15/2023 3:54:00 PM

Marvelous texture of words images rhythm consonants contrasts and leaving the reader with so much to work through. I think of how masterful Shakespeare was at doing the same thing: 'Let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp and crook the pregnant hinges of the knee where thrift may follow fawning.' Hamlet

Gary Radice
Date: 4/16/2023 1:45:00 AM

Thank you very much Christopher for your very kind words. They are very much appreciated. I have to admit that Shakespeare's works don't exactly float my boat but just having his name mentioned in a comment that relates to a poem of mine is high praise indeed. I'll add that Hamlet's King Claudius (and those who displayed servile displays of flattery towards him, even though he stole the crown) have a lot to answer for. It reminds me of world politics in general but that's another poem. :) Cheers - Gary

Susan Ashley

Date: 11/11/2022 8:14:00 AM

Dear Gary, it is such a pleasure to return to this amazing poem once more. The beautiful rhythm and rhymes and vivid imagery, along with the emotional turn of the last five lines, brings me to the center of this poignant scene with silky ease. Line's lovely recital further highlights your poem's enchanting and soulful power. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Gary Radice
Date: 11/13/2022 5:53:00 AM

Susan, thank you for your lovely comments. I'm forever surprised at how well this poem has been received but it's just lovely to read your words. I'm behind once again with my reading of others' poetry here at The Soup but will make a determined effort in the week to do so. Read you soon. Cheers - Gary

John Watt

Date: 11/2/2022 10:51:00 PM

Gary, it's great to read this stellar piece again and find it on the marathon's winner list today. You have good reason to be proud of this one. Congrats for this worthy victory ~ John

Gary Radice
Date: 11/3/2022 2:40:00 AM

Thanks John. In truth I'm running out of poems to enter that have 30 lines or less maximum. :) Cheers - Gary

Mark Toney

Date: 11/2/2022 2:40:00 PM

Gary, I had great expectations for this poem, and you didn't let me down! The dickens, you say? Yes, I do. A flood of flashbacks to literature class! There's so much nostalgia and fun in this. And Line Gauthier's recital is brilliant. A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 18 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on because Mile 19 has already started.

Gary Radice
Date: 11/3/2022 2:43:00 AM

Hi Mark! Thank you for having the stamina to run such a contest. I'm enjoying it and hope to make the whole 26 miles 385 yards. :) Cheers - Gary

John Watt

Date: 8/31/2022 1:56:00 PM

Gary, your delightful poetic tale of Miss Havisham has long been a fave of mine, and today I noticed it is included in Poetry Soup's Top 100 Poems list. I don't how long it has been there, but I wanted to send you my congrats and pass along the encouraging news in case you hadn't seen it. You are such an encourager to me and many at this site, I wanted to return the favor. Cheers my friend ~ John

Gary Radice
Date: 9/1/2022 12:34:00 AM

Hi John. I noticed my poem in that list a few months back when I was trying to make sense of all the 'Best' lists. I'm still not really clear how on earth the PS algorithm works. According to PS this is the 'best' of all my poems. I can only assume that's because of the number of comments and favs that the poem has garnered. Likewise for the Top 100 list.? It's nice but I'm under no illusions that there are so many poems out there that should be on the Top 100 list and / or get filed under 'The Great Unread' :) This is a poem I'm particularly proud of. I appreciate all your encouragement John and thank you for your valued comments as always. Cheers - Gary

Timothy Ray

Date: 4/9/2022 7:35:00 PM

absolutely wonderful. execution, emotion, inspiration, and devastating last lines have brought me thru a wonderful read

Gary Radice
Date: 4/10/2022 4:28:00 AM

I really appreciate your wonderful words Timothy. Miss Havisham, as a charachter, has always fascinated me. My one regret with the poem is not including a line about the pack of cards that Miss H had Estella play with Pip in her house. They could have been on the shelves in the shed too. Cheers - Gary

John Lusardi

Date: 1/5/2022 11:06:00 AM

I just read this work, in the Anthology book 11. What an absolute masterpiece ! While reading it, i could taste and smell and see, my grandfathers garden shed, it transported me back, too the smell of Linseed oil, and magic places. Brilliant

Gary Radice
Date: 1/5/2022 11:48:00 AM

Thank you John. I really appreciate your wonderful comments. It makes this hobby of mine feel all the more worthwhile. Cheers - Gary

Patrick Kelly

Date: 12/21/2021 1:39:00 PM

First time, just found you. loved this poem and will be reading more, thanks.

Gary Radice
Date: 12/22/2021 4:03:00 AM

Hi Patrick. Thanks so much for your lovely comments. Glad you like this - it certainly seems to be my most popular poem. Read you soon. Cheers- Gary

L Milton Hankins

Date: 8/28/2021 8:11:00 PM

Gary, I just read this poem again for the umpteenth time. It deserves to be up there with Cinder Girl! It's about time I make it a FAVE instead of coming back here and clicking on it.

Gary Radice
Date: 8/29/2021 2:14:00 AM

Hey, thanks Milt. It's much appreciated. Funnily enough when I started out writing the poem, the subject was going to be my own garden shed. A flash of inspiration came over me as I remembered reading Great Expectations and liking it so much..so with much poetic license I decided to explore Miss Havisham's back story..and set it in a shed not too disimilar to mine! ..bar the letter and wedding dress of course.. :) Cheers - Gary

Marikate Kingston

Date: 6/30/2021 8:29:00 PM

What a dear poem. I could envision everything. The shed is filled w/ her life and history. It reminded me of my 80-year-old Uncle John. He lived in a 100-year-old house in the Adirondack Mountains. Your line that reads, "as flies and wasps lying in the state were curled up by their fly-by-date."Reminded me of Uncle John's window flies on their back spinning around in the sunny windowsill. I remember feeling sorry for them as a kid. I loved this poem so much & I'm glad I came across it.

Gary Radice
Date: 7/1/2021 2:24:00 AM

Marikate, thank you so much for your lovely comments. I'm thrilled you love the poem. I have to admit it's one of my favourites too. I love to write just what I see no matter how small or trivial it might be. Cheers - Gary

Ann Peck

Date: 6/16/2021 8:02:00 AM

I've commented before, but wanted to say your last two lines inspired me to write about my Great Aunt Agnes: "Satin and Old Lace." Thank you :)

Gary Radice
Date: 6/16/2021 8:25:00 AM

Ann, it's great to know my poem inspired yours. I will take a look and read later tonight. Thanks again for your comments. Cheers - Gary

Line Gauthier

Date: 6/13/2021 5:54:00 AM

Beautifully worded. Great buildup. Well crafted poem, Gary ~

Gary Radice
Date: 6/13/2021 6:13:00 AM

Thank you Line :)

Richard Breese

Date: 6/9/2021 4:59:00 PM

Oh that is beautifully sad. Well done.

Gary Radice
Date: 6/10/2021 1:24:00 AM

Richard, thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. Cheers - Gary

Dave Timperley

Date: 5/29/2021 4:10:00 AM

Every line invokes a memory. Love the flyby line, found in every shed. Our shed is the land of lost things. Enjoyed reading this. Blessings. D.

Gary Radice
Date: 5/29/2021 5:12:00 AM

David, I LOVE that line of yours: "the land of lost things." That would make a great title for a poem. :) Thanks for your visit, read and great comments. Cheers - Gary

Dan Prizner

Date: 5/23/2021 12:16:00 AM

Gary just came across your poem like the visual that it I can see from its words. Thanks for it. I real like Rhyme form

Gary Radice
Date: 5/23/2021 12:34:00 AM

Hi Dan! Thanks so much for your visit and your kind comments about the rhyme form. Cheers - Gary

David Holmes

Date: 5/14/2021 1:50:00 PM

Gary - this is such a great poem, I can see this garden shed in every aspect of your poem, the flow, the imagery, and I can smell the paint and oil with your picture words - David

Gary Radice
Date: 5/14/2021 2:13:00 PM

Cheers David. Thanks for your comments. When it comes to my own shed, it's full of stuff I have never used and probably never will..and smells of paint despite there being no paint stored in there. :) Cheers - Gary

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 5/12/2021 3:23:00 PM

Hello Gary Radice, that garden shed holds a lot of memories. Enjoy your evening my fren.

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 5/13/2021 11:08:00 AM

Hello Gary Radice, you are welcome my friend. I did thank you. Cheers. Darlene

Gary Radice
Date: 5/12/2021 4:03:00 PM

Thank you Darlene.. thanks so much for your visit, read and comments. It's all very much appreciated. I hope you enjoy your evening too. Cheers - Gary

Terry Flood

Date: 5/10/2021 12:08:00 PM

Love this on so many levels, Gary... the imagery, the wit (fly-by-date) and, well, that sledgehammer ending. The only thing I hate about this is that I didn’t write it (and probably couldn’t) ;-). A remarkably well deserved first place. Terry

Gary Radice
Date: 5/10/2021 12:26:00 PM

That's really nice of you to say so Terry. The cobwebs and flies lines were influenced by the contents of my own shed as of a few weeks back. :) Cheers - Gary

Quoth Theraven

Date: 5/9/2021 5:45:00 PM

Hello Gary, 'for all the wood and damp and soil the smell was one of paint and oil' Sights and smells from a better time and place. Such a practiced hand to capture a moment. A moment in fascinating prose, truly. -Richard

Gary Radice
Date: 5/9/2021 11:36:00 PM

Hi Richard. Thank you for your very insightful and complimentary comments. Yes! :) A hint of better times when she was not surrounded by abandonment and decay. In Dickens' "Great Expectations" Miss Havisham was a lady who inherited her father's (brewery) fortune but was then swindled out of it both by a man she thought she was to marry and her half brother. Her life spiralled downwards following this. Cheers - Gary

Terry Miller

Date: 5/8/2021 1:26:00 AM

"were curled up past their fly-by-date" A great line in a wonderful poem

Gary Radice
Date: 5/8/2021 1:35:00 AM

Terry, thanks so much for your equally great comments. It's very much appreciated. Cheers - Gary