I passed by this old house
one evening
alive with candlelight
where it stands
on 10th Street
it has been there
since the early 1900s
against ratcheting time
life expanded
and dissolved
like the neighborhood bakery
barber shop, trinket stores
horses and carriages
replaced by autos
Bonnie and Clyde
roamed the backside
of these streets
World War II ushered in
rationing, praying
tears amid destruction
A tornado hit close
sixties racial turmoil
schools closed
This house was here
when Andy Sims
disappeared without a trace
in 1961
It has been lucky
to remain
in a place where they
tear down history
trying to keep appearance
hip and modern
not even considering
how we need
the contributions of yesterday
and how we can admire
the continuance
of the elegant
yet simple style
the testament to the past
the grace of another time
the comfort that
all those candles
must give to those
returning home
The House on Tenth Street
Published inpoetry
Very Pretty illumination!
I thought so too. It seemed inviting and very comfortable.
I love old buildings. It’s a shame that they need a lot of maintenance. It’s great when they preserve them rather than tear them down.
I agree, I think they have way more charm than newer structures. Preservation is a great thing!
The poem beautifully brings alive the charm of the yore.
Thank you. I love old houses and historical buildings.
There’s nothing quite like an old house 🙂
beautiful creation… 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Beautiful. I love this. I hope you have a wonderful day. 😊
Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful day also.
You’re welcome. Thank you. 😊
Lovely poem. I love the many references to past events which shaped the town. Your words are a tribute to the importance of preserving some of our historic buildings and respecting what the past has to teach us. The house looks warm and inviting – a lovely home.
Millie, I adore old houses. We are so bad about tearing our historical places down where I live, but I’m hoping it’s not as bad in other areas. You are so lucky to live in a country that has such a rich history and so many beautiful historic places to visit. Thanks for reading!
Most of our historical buildings are great big, solidly built structures that would take a lot of pulling down. On the other hand, we have lots of very old thatched cottages that are very sought after as homes. All old buildings have conservation orders on them so even people who live in them can’t alter them in any way. Your poem was lovely and I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you. I kinda like the conservation order, ha ha. I hope to visit your wonderful country some day and hopefully do some genealogy while I’m at it 🙂
That would be wonderful for you. We many Americans over here, seeking out their origins. Most head for Ireland and Scotland, which is understandable, considering so many left for the U.S.from there. 🙂
My aunt lives in an old 18th century coaching inn, and has to get permission to make even simple repairs.
Well I guess the issue of making simple repairs would definitely be a hassel….