The Lady Down the Lane

I pass it every day, a small brick house, that's shaded by a maple tree in spring; and underneath, the worn-out bench still sits- awaiting to be used, as in the past. The sale sign pains my heart as I pass by. Oh, how she loved to tend her flowers there, in her small garden near the lattice fence- then sit upon the bench to rest awhile. Three houses down the lane away from her- when we moved in, she welcomed us to join the neighborhood- so many years ago; the eldest on our street- we cherished her. The small brick house is vacant- four months, now. How sad- her flowers will need tending to, for spring has just begun, and she had passed at Christmas time- so unexpected then. Oh lady down the lane, we'll miss your smile and those dear waves you shared as we rode by; your time spent tending the backyard to keep us- and your flowers- smiling back at you. March 23, 2020 ~1st Place~ Contest: Strand Pick 4 Sponsor: Brian Strand Judged: 04/09/2020 ~7th Place~ Contest: Lady Down The Lane Sponsor: Craig Cornish Judged: 03/29/2020 Written in presence tense- reflecting on her passing many years ago at Christmas time.