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.)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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12
Peterson Avatar
June 13, 2014 at 12:34 AM
Vivid and enticing.
Smith Avatar
June 12, 2014 at 9:25 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..
Dorken Avatar
June 8, 2014 at 2:46 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. :)
Gibson Avatar
June 3, 2014 at 10:42 AM
Such a wonderful metaphor for all things growing old. Great images.
Shiells Avatar
May 29, 2014 at 7:48 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
Guzzi Avatar
May 26, 2014 at 10:37 PM
Very strong metaphors, just write another for nette, I know you will have no problem. Light & Love my Andie
Rutherford Avatar
May 24, 2014 at 5:49 AM
Metaphors abound here Andrea ! As it reads a great poem about old bridges. Love it. Anne
Johnson Avatar
May 21, 2014 at 6:36 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.
Ferry Avatar
May 21, 2014 at 5:39 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...
Jerden Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 8:01 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.
Green Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 6:36 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 :)
Lamoureux Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 6:02 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.
Callus Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 4:27 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
Carrillo Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 12:20 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
Onclaud Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 12:13 PM
thank you, dear andrea.. soup mail!.. huggs
Sirak Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 6:30 AM
Beautiful! I love old bridges, especially covered ones.
George   Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 5:50 AM
You and Robert Frost are surely kindrid spirits, dear Andrea. Lainie
Kendrick Avatar
May 20, 2014 at 5:22 AM
Creative sure to be a winner ....Enjoyed reading your entry this morn..I am glad that you liked my Limerick "Straddle Legged"..Sara
May Avatar
May 19, 2014 at 10:34 PM
Great write Andrea... I especially liked the 2nd stanza...Thanks for your reply...I hope so too...love
United Avatar
May 19, 2014 at 9:46 PM
Amazing how such a short poem could take us on such a long journey.
Anish Avatar
May 19, 2014 at 9:25 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
Lindley Avatar
May 19, 2014 at 7:41 PM
I love it and I have crossed many a shaky bridge in my time on this blue marble.. A fine write my friend!
Gregory Avatar
May 19, 2014 at 7:19 PM
this could easily be an analogy for used and abuse... nice write
Dunn Avatar
May 19, 2014 at 7:07 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.
Smith Avatar
May 19, 2014 at 6:29 PM
So many of the old bridges are crumbling...I love this Andrea...hugs Tim
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