Notes About The Poem

The House Down the Road

A tad over three blocks down Merion Lane
on the left is, an idyllic Cape Cod.
I must've passed it a thousand times
my own picturesque, perfect, postcard place
couched in the right light, dappling rays
fresh-painted, white fence, ruby red front door.

Never once did I not try looking in,
a golden kickplate, bright brass knocker ring.
Begging to be seen, this family within
lotsa plain pane windows, no blinds, no sheers.
There it still stands proudly these many years.
In deep snows that had filled front walkways
in warming, romantic, radiated, lustrous light
hearth hues burst through the panes beyond the glass.

One spring, I saw a fine fetching lass run
across this closely manicured front lawn with her
bouncing blonde, long locks, glowing gleefully.
I mused as I passed by half-staring;
we'd marry maybe, wishful pairing!
And have a dreamy storybook Cape Cod too.
That fall, our family moved far away.
But was I not to see her, who's to say?
Still, I remember that house, that dream
I might've married her, my crazy scheme.

Last night it snowed. Drove that road again.
Five years later, that same house was still there.
On the outside, the front door now lime green.
Inside, a fire burns brilliant like before.
I saw this striking blonde while I gawked.
Startled, the green door opens, she walked
across the snowy street, without her coat.

Poised, she stood there and said straight to me,
"Aren't you the boy who used to stare?",
through my window I gush, "Why yes, I am."
She said she'd wondered about me,
even though they'd never known my name.
Star-crossed, my illusion had dreamt back!

Those private affections landed somehow:
illusions can come true, they often do.
Left my car, took her hand, then went inside;
over a cozy cocoa we chatted.
No longer a star from afar - so near.
New worlds would now open for us right here.
Lost love came home to the house down the road.



Written 2/19/21
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Kauffman Avatar
October 8, 2024 at 11:27 AM
Oh Greg, what a wonderful poem of irony and images. Congratulations on your win. You so skillfully tell a story that crosses time and space with a delightful ending that made me go "ahhh!" It brought back so many memories of houses and people who lived in them that I would wonder about as I walked to school. I love your eloquence and musings. So wonderful to have you back in the soup! adding your own special spice to the mix! Blessings of autumn joy to you!
Kendrick Avatar
October 5, 2024 at 4:34 AM
Congratulations on your winning romantic tale in Poet Destroyer's contest. Way to go. Sara K
A   Avatar
October 1, 2024 at 3:41 PM
Hi Greg, Congratulations, thank you for entering my contest. Always PD ~LINDA~
Goldsmith Avatar
February 26, 2022 at 2:27 PM
Back with congratulations on this "New" win. This is a real winner. Your pen was writing overtime on this one. Have a blessed day............................
Gaul Avatar
February 27, 2022 at 7:16 AM
Paula, romance lives within your heart. Thank you.
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 25, 2022 at 9:24 PM
I hope this is true Greg. It made me cry because it was so moving. Regardless…a Fave for me. Congratulations on your wonderful win. Blessings xxoo
Gaul Avatar
February 26, 2022 at 4:46 AM
Connie, like so many of my poems, this is a composite of many clips from my memory but the storyline is completely made up. Your visits are always good, thanks for sharing that you were moved from it. In a world full of fear, romance seems to have little value. Also, congratulations on your placement for your snowflake verse. Blessings to you too.
Fowler Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 5:39 PM
What a nostalgic and romantic write Greg. I enjoyed every word! :) Linda
Gaul Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 6:42 PM
Linda, your sensibility of romantic poetry is most appreciated. Thank you so much for this visit.
Goldsmith Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 4:02 PM
Back with congratulations on this win. Enjoy your win and day with blessings..............................
Gaul Avatar
March 19, 2021 at 5:53 AM
Paula, your visits are most appreciated. A poet of your accomplishments is always appreciated. Thank you.
Kavanagh  Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 7:24 AM
A fine poem Greg, Kai was impressed with your gripping story, and placed it accordingly, I was hoping it was true, but had my doubts, but no matter a very enjoyable read, congratulations, cheers David
Gaul Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 1:58 PM
David, your comments are on point and appreciated. I wrote Kai and admitted my surprise that my poem was not removed because it was off prompt. My apologies all around.
Radice Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 6:45 AM
I didn't get the bookshop theme Greg, but what I did get was a poem that held my attention to the very end that has prompted me to want to read more of your work. That is what I shall do. :) Cheers - Gary
Gaul Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 2:02 PM
Gary, your prompt comments are correct, the poem did not fit. I wrote Kai to that effect but, as well, I thank all those who commented positively about my poem. So thank you too. Your work interests me as well, Lewis Carroll references etc al.
Neumann Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 2:18 AM
What a fine memory. True story, I suppose? Kind wishes, Kai
Gaul Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 6:40 AM
I'm compelled to respond Kai and say no. In fact, looking at the other entries, I don't know what I was thinking. My poem isn't even on prompt! Ugh. Slightly embarrassed.
Goldsmith Avatar
February 25, 2021 at 12:15 PM
A "Wonderful" Story/Write. I could feel the snow and taste the hot cocoa. Have a blessed day writing away...................
Gaul Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 5:59 AM
Thanks Paula for the visit. Sounds like you identified with the girl in the house down the road. Your sensitive comment is most appreciated.
Kendrick Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 8:19 AM
Ahh!! Enjoyed reading this passionate and romantic winner. A great story told in poetic form. Congrats. Sara
Gaul Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 1:09 PM
How we form images of how we think things are. And yet, often they're not. Thanks Sara for your thoughtful appreciation.
La France Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 6:36 AM
Greg, oh what a lovely story, you are a true storyteller, it is wonderful and congrats on your win _ Constance
Gaul Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 1:11 PM
We all have illusions, some romantic. And aren't surprises special? Life is full of them. Your visits are always a happy surprise for me. Thank you.
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