Old House

So swiftly our passage brief, Our old house looks lonely sad; Now like a stranger I grief Upon the place once most glad. Just way back when we lived here, Yet now we know sad refrains; There is a space for lost cheer That struggles to come again. New mail keeps trail to old place, I spy that old window view; Reminders of that old space Where birdsong trance fondly cued. My caretaker friend greets me, Watch happy nostalgia free; Coming back makes me cheery Yet tinged with melancholy. We chat and he tells me tales, Updates with sanguine new bites; Who's doing what as complaints wail, We laugh upon silly swipes. So much have changed since your time, He tells me about his pains; I hurl old reasons in rhyme, Take it easy with disdain. Indifference marks the mood, Complaints seem mostly petty; I try to make him see good, Work to upkeep things calmly. So from time to time I call, Check upon his company; Sit with tea as chat installs, Fond laughter fits melody. Here's to you my good old friend, Who made things yet more breezy, Then as Nicole Green felt grand When simple life was easy. The love we found in that house Is more than enough for each; Now here, I sit, stare and browse, Visualise days wealthy rich. The places we call home fill, Linger in sweet memories; We may leave them but still feel Fond swirls and twirls tell stories. Leon Enriquez 18 December 2014 Singapore