Mucking

fifty years
this house stood against
the tide of generations
leaving in its wake
lizards and roaches 

still weaker
we wield hammers
and peer at each other
through glass windows

the masks went on
hauling the debris of years
to the curb 

we came here to rebuild
we said, as the stove
hung its head and the fridge
slipped quietly out the door
teal paint chips
snowed in the kitchen
but couldn't touch us

in three hours
the sun lit up
soft brown bones

we drove home
as if home was
external, separate
from our work
and we were so
blissfully intact

the walls had to come
down first, he told us
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

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

A   Avatar
October 18, 2012 at 9:03 PM
julia, here I am with a be-lated :-) congratulations with your wonderful win in the " April, 2011 Contest " It is very nice to see you on this winning list..*'.*'.*' hip hip hooray. Good night :-) always~ PD
A   Avatar
July 31, 2012 at 11:47 PM
JULIA, stopping by to read a couple of poems. CONGRATULATIONS!! :-) with your featured poem of the week. Goodnight~ LUV~ PD
Austin Avatar
July 31, 2012 at 2:26 PM
A matter-of-fact charm in the ruin. Like it. Congrats on the selection. daver
Goudreau Avatar
October 27, 2011 at 9:12 PM
Congratulations Julia, I love this poem. So much depth and inspiration flows through your verses and the message leaves one wondering...love it! A well deserved win! Thank you for sharing and May God Bless!
Blomberg Avatar
October 9, 2011 at 7:49 AM
Beautiful atmosphere arises from this poem, although I do not understand each and every sentence
Laan Avatar
September 18, 2011 at 6:17 AM
Oh wow, this is incredible, a poem of depth and meaning. Love it. Crafted beautifully:))
Haick Avatar
September 10, 2011 at 9:31 PM
Anazing poem, Julia..Congratulations on a fine win! Love, Annalise
Sweetheart Avatar
August 23, 2011 at 8:01 PM
Congrats Julia on your wonderful win in PS contest with this glorious write luv..
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
August 23, 2011 at 4:11 PM
Congrats Julia on your poems placement in the contest. Vince
Ramsdale Avatar
August 23, 2011 at 3:45 PM
Congratulations April, 2011 6th Place Contest Winner! Caryl Ramsdale
Brown Avatar
August 23, 2011 at 7:46 AM
Congratulations on your placement in PoetrySoup's International Poetry Contest Julia. I am very happy for you. Love, Carol
Poet Avatar
August 22, 2011 at 4:43 PM
Congratulations Julia on your win in the International Contest.Wonderful Poem.
Mehta Avatar
August 22, 2011 at 12:37 PM
So happy to see your name in the sixth place in this international contest. Co0ngratulations, Julia
Freeman Avatar
August 22, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Congratulations on your lovely poem, Julia. Enjoy your winnings. Agape, Moses
Muzzey Avatar
August 22, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Congratulations Julia on your fabulous Soup win with this wonderful write. Enjoy your honor, I enjoyed the read. Caryl
Devonshire Avatar
August 22, 2011 at 9:54 AM
Beautiful poem, Julia. Congratulations on your great win in the Soup Admin's contest! Love, Carolyn
Osita Avatar
August 22, 2011 at 8:13 AM
This is very intense, Julia. Many congrats on your amazing win in poetry soup international contest. *Cheers*
George   Avatar
August 21, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Vivid images with powerful meaning. Many congrats on your SUPER WIN in the Poetry Soup competion, Julia. Elaine
Brown Avatar
August 2, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through round one in the PoetrySoup International Poetry contest Julia. I wish you the best in the final round. Love, Carol
Moreno Avatar
December 28, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Nice poem Julia I read When Wendy grew up and I enjoyed it also. Welcome to poetry soup where you are amongst great company. I welcome you to read my work...Raul
Jordan Avatar
December 28, 2008 at 6:42 PM
Very deep poem - I wish to welcome you to the Soup - God Bless, MJ
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