The Transformation

Just a hillside of junk was all that could be seen
in a yard once beautiful, well-kept and pristine.
With abandoned vehicles, overgrown shrubs, 
household appliances, machinery and rugs,
creating all around the most horrendous of scenes.

An old homestead in such disrepair,
well hidden from view until standing there.
It’s long winding path buried with leaves,
must be between those colossal oak trees;
stirring gentle breeze to cool the warm air.

Just one look at those mighty old oaks,
an idea struck and our minds evoke.
This unkept place is ‘beauty in disgrace’.
Wouldn’t be hard to repair and replace!
Deal was struck, now we’re home folks.

Clearing and cleaning for three long years,
removed all debris, several tons, I fear,
mowed the lawn, trimmed the trees,
dug the weeds and planted some seeds.
Renovations planned by the end of the year.

Bulbs have been planted beyond the construction
allowing for progress without destruction.
Fruit trees for the orchard are now well established,
Japanese maples, all carefully transplanted,
Sun and shade gardens--ah, quite a production.

Trees, shrubbery, and flowers, varied selections,
await to be planted with the greatest perfection.
The hill no longer a ‘beauty in disgrace’,
lovingly reclaimed as our countryside estate,
well-kept, pristine, inviting transformation. 


Written:  May 27, 2010
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Hillmer Avatar
March 27, 2012 at 5:48 AM
This flows so very nice!!! Great job!!!
Johnson Avatar
July 1, 2010 at 7:51 PM
What a lovely poem and transformation. Forty years ago my husband and I moved into a new home on the foundation of the house where he was born. It had been abandoned for many years and the wild blackberries had established themselves as the rightful owners. We almost had to take them to court to evict them but finally decided to use force. They still creep into our nicely landscaped yard and I have to be vigilant. Thank you for your kind comments about my flower poem 2nd. Love, Joyce
Spence Sr Avatar
June 14, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Wow! What a sight to behold. I watched a piece on television the other day about several cities now like that. They were once flourishing and the people have now left. It's was just amazing. Great job! Joseph
M Avatar
June 6, 2010 at 4:21 PM
A lot of work it was to uncover and reclaim the beautiful diamond in the rough. It will be a most peaceful place you will not want to leave once you complete the construction. (Although I have actually seen your property before and after the clean up, your poem's description of the stacks of appliances, junk machinery, etc being replaced by newly planted fruit trees, japanese maples, colorful flowers helps a blind person see the transformation.
Dietrich Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 9:27 AM
It's nice to know you are getting your poetry from true stories (say it aint so, Joe) Is this one too inspired from a life story? It's very nice, carolyn. I enjoyed reading it. (and I still have not done my "assignment" haha. Maybe I never will! Just can't seem to think what to do with it!) Luv, Andrea
K. Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 8:06 AM
What you've done is truly amazing, Carolyn! It's always so inspiring to know how neglected places can be transformed into beautiful ones by those who really care --:) bravo to you for pulling this transformation! & thank you for sharing what you did through this wonderful poem :)
Simpson Avatar
June 1, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Dear Carolyn, this is beautiful, and gives one hope and promise of a wonderful future when taking on such a huge project. I remember wishing I could do such as this after my husband left, but it wasn't to be and I left the UK, having no garden now, but trying with pots. Keep up the good work, Rita
Tideswell Avatar
June 1, 2010 at 6:39 AM
Hi Carolyn, I enjoyed reading your poem of how you transformed a junk yard into a place of beauty. I hope you took lots of photos along the way. It must be so rewarding to look out on your creation. A really satisfying read, thank you :)
Horsman Avatar
May 31, 2010 at 2:05 AM
your words describe this ordeal beautifully, and the benefit of your poem is there for all to see harry
Johnson Avatar
May 29, 2010 at 7:54 PM
I love this story and your poem. We built our new home on the remnants of his old family place which had been abandoned for years. Thus my dislike of blackberry vines. Thank you for your remarks on my Blackberry and the Rose. Love, Joyce
Richards Avatar
May 27, 2010 at 5:54 PM
Ahhh...you are people after my own heart!! I love this poem, it speaks the way my husband and I are....when we took this place of ours, and created a wonderful home, where we raised our family. When we first bought our few little acres...some thought we were crazy...but we saw potential...and it blossomed into a lovely home!! Good for you and your eye for a silk purse out of that old sow's ear!!!! Carrie
Belt Avatar
May 27, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Wow Carolyn......Awesome Write....I really enjoyed it......Larry.....p.s. Thanks for all your wonderful comments
Sweetheart Avatar
May 27, 2010 at 11:54 AM
What a transformation too.... wonderful Carolyn and a true work of art u have penned.. I was just reading Charles's blog about his computer virus.. I had one on my new laptop two days ago and my son is a computer whiz so he logged into it from his and did something with Norton and bingo ..brand new... glad he is back and my laptop is now cooperating... appreciate your many wonderful comments on my poetry ..luv.. Linda-Marie..
Freeman Avatar
May 27, 2010 at 10:14 AM
Your verse is most inspiring, and written really well Carolyn. So inspiring in fact, it would well be quite a personification of the messes of many human lives. And the clean up that would ensue if Agape were allowed to renew the serpent of one's carnal mind. Thank you so graciously for your most supportive Comment. Agape, Moses
Devonshire Avatar
May 27, 2010 at 8:32 AM
There's so much satisfaction in transforming such a piece of land into a beautiful garden, Carolyn. Can relate to your feelings of seeking perfection. Nicely penned! Love, Carolyn
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