Photograph courtesy of Tess Kincaid, Magpie Tales
A green and yellow house
Standing so alone
No imprints on the snowy steps
Nobody’s at home
Windows shuttered, curtains drawn
No sign of life at all
It looks so cold and empty
Forgotten and forlorn
No sounds of a normal home
No laughter from within
Just echoes of total silence
Behind a bolted door
To the side a chimney stack
But no curling wispy smoke
Or any other tell tale sign
Of any warmth inside
An old lonely abandoned house
One has to wonder why
Is it that it’s for sale
Or did someone die?
When Jack Frost has finally gone
And spring comes once again
A flight departs from warmer climes
And brings its owners home!
Barbara M Lake
February 2011
Trinidad, WI
©
Bee,
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing lonlier than an empty house.
rel
Ohhh... I feel for this house... I wonder what its story is... (sigh)
ReplyDeleteAnd I certainly hope that Spring breathes some life into it...
What a lovely read, B.. Sad, but ending with a glint of hope...
Ah, the tale of the snowbirds!
ReplyDeletea mix of words that sounds just right
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the nest isn't forever empty! Nice piece!
ReplyDeleteNice twist at the end! They need a house-sitter, don't they?
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice twist at the end . . . but (and I'm sorry to say this) - I think your last stanza blows away the beautiful melancholy mood you worked so well to create in the first stanzas of the poem.
ReplyDeleteOh, but the last stanza is hope. Maybe just the hope of a lonely house.
ReplyDeleteOh, interesting. I can see an elderly couple taking off for warmer climes.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I liked the end, too. Hopeful, waiting home.
Aaaaahh! Glad to know that spring brings life back to him! I'd love to spend time alone there, away from the boys.....just me, housey and his chimney!!
ReplyDeleteNice positie ending! Love the cadence in your poem.
ReplyDeletelovely! alone... only for a moment in time... beautiful poem.
ReplyDeletea deserted home, haunting.
ReplyDeletewell penned magpie.
Happy Sunday!
Looks like the sort of house I'd like to buy and fill with books. Lovely words and so glad that there's a positive ending!
ReplyDeleteNow I'm curious what it's like in the summer. Lovely images of a deserted home. I especially liked the 4th stanza. I could feel the cold and emptiness inside.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great piece on this prompt. The house seems so cold and I feel the feelings you expressed here. Well done!
ReplyDeleteYour words are crisp and this piece flows well. Lovely poem!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this very much, a great one to read aloud (I did!):-)
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for coming to see me.
ReplyDeleteRel you're right - a lonely house is just that - a house
kavisionz - there is always hope
Ah yes Helen......
I hoped to get it right Lissa
tumblewords - I really couldn't leave it empty as it's such a nice looking house
Dr I wanted the twist at the end but I do see your point - thanks for your contribution - always open to suggestion
Jacqui - always hope but see above
Yes thingy that's what I wanted you to see
Sounds like a plan Lena!
Strummed words - glad you liked it - I wanted the positive ending
girldaydreaming you give me hope!
Jingle I wanted to create an atmosphere of desolation
Madame - me too - books and music - lots of nooks and lots of music
mamacheetah - I'm glad you caught the coldness
Judy - you're an ace
Suko you too give me hope!
Really Susannah? Wow that's brave of you! Nice to know that you enjoyed it
Again, thanks everyone. Much appreciated.
You express so well the thoughts that go through people's minds with the houses that we pass.
ReplyDeleteThank you Paul - nice to see you here
ReplyDeleteGreetings, how are you?
ReplyDeleteWrite a free verse 4 Poets Rally, enjoy poetic friends, you are invited!
Hope to see you in,
Love your poetry talent and looking forward a profound experience with your input.
Cheers.
xoxox