Shadow of Dreams

Shadow of Dreams

Look at this HOUSE – shadow of dreams 
Of hands once strong with hope –
This empty shell echos
Dreams once dreamed
Where promise once sat
On a PORCH decorated
With swings sheltered by FERNS
Hung from a ROOF and eaves
Of gingerbread trim
Surrounded by a GARDEN
With a gate – a DOOR with a glass ROSETTE–
A WINDOW into a life
Discarded like a broken jar
Preserving faith like rows of jams and jellies –
A windowpane framed by shredded lace
Of shattered wishes 
Littering a desolate STAIRCASE
Leading up to barren emptiness -
Where cobwebs ensnare careless visitors
In the turret named despair – my newest friend –
Trapped as a prisoner of shame –
Lonely sorrow and regrets –
Living in desolation -
Bones bare to unforgiving waves of heat 
Ragging wilderness hurricanes -
All I see is life flowing out of me
In my poor dwelling place
Yet, 
A new breath of WHISPERS
Calls creaking footsteps - 
Seek out a musty cellar corner
Set on a foundation unfailing
Where the heart beats - a steady rhythm –
A single lantern light still lives –
Holding the key
To restoration 
Of this old home.

7-15-20
Decaying Old House Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance LaFrance
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Mishra Avatar
July 27, 2020 at 11:34 AM
Sam this one is another showcase of your talent. Your muse paints such a poignant picture of deep emotions. I loved it the most because it shines with a gleam of hope in the end. Congratulations on your win. Much love :)
Delaney Avatar
July 25, 2020 at 1:19 PM
Congratulations Sam: Beautiful descriptive write, I could picture this gracious old home vividly and like that there is hope of restoration. Best, SuZ
La France Avatar
July 25, 2020 at 9:42 AM
Sam, congratulations on your win in my decaying house contest with this wonderful write _Constance
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
July 22, 2020 at 2:27 PM
"...HOUSE – shadow of dreams", great start, Sam, "...turret named despair...", "...foundation unfailing", well strung piece of a decaying house my friend -- Aloha~@William
Kauffman Avatar
July 22, 2020 at 3:45 PM
Hi William! Thank you for your lovely words and your visit. I love seeing old, decaying houses brought back to their original beauty and potential - just like people! Hope you are well in paradise, my friend!
Allison Avatar
July 19, 2020 at 4:10 PM
i love the uplifting ending and the thought of bringing the house back to life:-) hugs Jan xx
Kauffman Avatar
July 22, 2020 at 3:42 PM
Thank you my friend! Somehow I just couldn't let this house with porches, stained glass windows, turrets, gardens and a magnificent staircase without hope. I love seeing these treasures restored! I love seeing people restored! Blessings!
Dietrich Avatar
July 19, 2020 at 3:59 PM
Love how this just flows with your thoughts, Sam. You are so talented. Congrats in the contest.
Kauffman Avatar
July 22, 2020 at 3:38 PM
Welcome back! Felt so strange to be out of touch with everyone! Thank you dear friend. Once I'd had a chance to think about the theme, this one seemed to have a life of its own. hugs and blessings!
Roper Avatar
July 15, 2020 at 8:53 PM
Beautiful verse, Sam, you've used all the words needed for the contest great for a win. But you need to place the sponsors' and contest name , also date you wrote it. Hugs Eve
Kauffman Avatar
July 15, 2020 at 11:38 PM
So appreciate your lovely words of compliment and your reminder! Thank you! One thing I've noticed about soupers - they support one another. That is a beautiful trait. Hope you are doing well. Many blessings to you Eve!
Brul Avatar
July 15, 2020 at 6:15 PM
"A single lantern light still lives – Holding the key To restoration Of this old home." very nostalgic!
Kauffman Avatar
July 15, 2020 at 11:33 PM
All I could see when writing this was a little Victorian house in need of repair but living with hope of a future of restoration! Thank you JCB!
Bauer Avatar
July 15, 2020 at 3:08 PM
i love the feeling of hope at the end of the poem, sam! very descriptive and beautifully written...
Kauffman Avatar
July 15, 2020 at 11:27 PM
Thank you so much Ilene. Somehow I just couldn't leave the house without the hope of restoration - hidden light of life. I am so appreciative of your visit and your message. All the best to you.
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