Home » Poems » Andrea Dietrich » Old Bridges

Old Bridges

Over streams
or above deep ravines,
they cling to the earth that supports them.

Having borne years of burdens, their bones are cracking;
the splintery skin of their once-strong arms now rots.
Threatened by footsteps - though few - they groan. . . .

for time is deserting
old bridges.

(Not in a contest,at least for now.)

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Mark Peterson

Date: 6/13/2014 12:34:00 AM

Vivid and enticing.

Arlene Smith

Date: 6/12/2014 9:25:00 AM

Andrea, I understand this was not done by the rules for a contest, but this will forever be one of my absolute favorite poems.. It truly blows me away!.. Awesome, Awsome penning!... Arlene..

Michael Dorken

Date: 6/8/2014 2:46:00 PM

I had to look this up to say this is my favorite poem on Soup so far, the stringent requirements of the form strengthen its delivery--which is a magic of the true poet. My only complaint is the use of italics--I don't like them! The poem read better in your contest description. :)

Faye Gibson

Date: 6/3/2014 10:42:00 AM

Such a wonderful metaphor for all things growing old. Great images.

Deborah Shiells

Date: 5/29/2014 7:48:00 AM

Hi Andrea, I loved this write!! You described a bridge perfectly. Love your writes my friend~ Thanks for sharing this write with us. Love and Peace, Deborah

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 5/26/2014 10:37:00 PM

Very strong metaphors, just write another for nette, I know you will have no problem. Light & Love my Andie

Anne Rutherford

Date: 5/24/2014 5:49:00 AM

Metaphors abound here Andrea ! As it reads a great poem about old bridges. Love it. Anne

Robert Johnson

Date: 5/21/2014 6:36:00 PM

A bridge sometimes does not get crossed for much too long a time. And when it does, you realize there's no reason or rhyme. Neglected, uninspected and left to fall apart. What once had built this mighty bridge, now has lost it's heart.

Richard Ferry

Date: 5/21/2014 5:39:00 PM

Lived in Mystic Ct for several years..One of the only still existing draw bridges left..Went up every hour on the hour...Made you stop and look everytime...

Roy Jerden

Date: 5/20/2014 8:01:00 PM

Lots of potential metaphors could be read into this one. I really like it. I am curious about the form. 'Verse' seems kind of vague.

Amy Green

Date: 5/20/2014 6:36:00 PM

OOOh, now that's creepy if seen through different "glasses. Great job, liked mucho! BTW It doesn't matter if I place in your contest. I just wrote what came to mind and thought it kinda cute :)

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 5/20/2014 6:02:00 PM

I love walking on old wooden bridges and looking through the cracks to the rushing water below. I enjoyed the picture of the bridge holding on. You made it feel like a person clinging onto time.

Paul Callus

Date: 5/20/2014 4:27:00 PM

I dig this one; old bridges attract me like flies to sugar. I've got lots of photos which I take when travelling, especially the small wooden ones which cross bubbly streams. Love the final 2 lines. Age takes its toll on everything, including us. // paul

Lucilla Carrillo

Date: 5/20/2014 12:20:00 PM

I like this one. I just love to see old bridges. I was always taking pictures of them. My husband would ask me why? I would answer, because if they could talk they would have stories to tell. Thanks for sharing.. Lucilla

Nette Onclaud

Date: 5/20/2014 12:13:00 PM

thank you, dear andrea.. soup mail!.. huggs

Monterey Sirak

Date: 5/20/2014 6:30:00 AM

Beautiful! I love old bridges, especially covered ones.

Elaine George

Date: 5/20/2014 5:50:00 AM

You and Robert Frost are surely kindrid spirits, dear Andrea. Lainie

Sara Kendrick

Date: 5/20/2014 5:22:00 AM

Creative sure to be a winner ....Enjoyed reading your entry this morn..I am glad that you liked my Limerick "Straddle Legged"..Sara

Joseph May

Date: 5/19/2014 10:34:00 PM

Great write Andrea... I especially liked the 2nd stanza...Thanks for your reply...I hope so too...love

Jadazzle United

Date: 5/19/2014 9:46:00 PM

Amazing how such a short poem could take us on such a long journey.

Matthew Anish

Date: 5/19/2014 9:25:00 PM

The politicians often speak of improving America's infrastructure - let us hope they mean what they say. I once sold an article about covered bridges. Stimulating and moving write. I remember when I used to think 2000 was so far away. Tempus fugit Matthew Anish

Robert Lindley

Date: 5/19/2014 7:41:00 PM

I love it and I have crossed many a shaky bridge in my time on this blue marble.. A fine write my friend!

Weston Gregory

Date: 5/19/2014 7:19:00 PM

this could easily be an analogy for used and abuse... nice write

Cherl Dunn

Date: 5/19/2014 7:07:00 PM

A stronger poem than most of the old bridges of America, most of our bridges are broken and fallen apart, I live near one that has holes worn through it to the fact of it is going to take two years to fix it. So this work of yours is right on the button, for truth factor. Great job my friend on a well written poem. It's really a shame that so many of these beautiful bridges are falling apart, when with just a little TLC they could be saved. cheri.