Old Wood Stove
While in an antique shop, I came across a wood stove
The cast iron, covered in rust, had seen better times
I admired it as it stood within this vast treasure trove
There's no doubt the antique worked well in its prime
You rose early in the morning before the rooster crowed
Gathering what you needed, like dried kindling or sticks
Once the kettle got to boil, creating steam on the window
Patience in preparing a meal because it took a while to fix
Belching on a belly of splintered wood, hot to the touch
Before the EPA, a coal-burning stove smoked up a place
Claiming victims who inhaled its carbon fumes too much
Standing on its bowlegs, taking up valuable floor space
A wood stove was a mainstay, one you couldn't live without
If a fire died on cold days, you might end up in poor health
You dumped the ashes regularly. There wasn't any doubt
A poor-working wood stove would often cause one's death
We gathered around the piece of iron to listen to ghost tales
A cozy, toasty altar when the old decrepit house would creak
Its consistent use has proven, over time, to be tough as nails
Stoking the flames warmed your frame any day of the week
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
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
