Eyes fogged by cataracts of dust and grime
Rusted tears of neglected shame.
Those you’ve sheltered stolen by time
No one left to recall your master’s name.
Those skillful hands that built your shell, now rest beneath the soil.
Yet cursed with an extended life, you’re forced to endure each era alone.
Generations came and went, until the day that final breath came in toil.
The final master was carried away, and hence forth, you’ve been silent as a stone.
They gathered round your flaming hearth, to sing, laugh, and love
Stockings hung on Christmas past, enticing children to behave.
Can you still hear them, ancient one? Into your structure are those memories wove?
What of the one who wore this brace? To its support, was he a slave?
my fave post of yours yet, Mark! marvelously inspired!
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Thank you, da-AL. I love history and the stories old building harbor.
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Gorgeous homage to abandoned things:-)
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Thank you. I am fascinated by history and often think about what stories have unfolded in those old walls.
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I love your title, Mark. It prepares me to be in the presence of wisdom. Each of your beautiful descriptions contain layers honouring a life from the past.
Your observations are remarkable, noticing many little things in a building long discarded. I know I will now be more observant when I come across older, neglected structures. They likely have a story to tell. A beautiful poem!
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Thank you, Erica! 🙂 I appreciate your visit and kind words. Every old building has a story to tell.
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All “ancient ones,” be it building or being, should be given respect. This poem is fantastic.
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Thank you and I agree 100%.
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These are fascinating photos, Mark. The old buildings do make you wonder what lives once were. I love your thoughtful poem!
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Thank you, Miriam. I agree.
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I love how you out words together to conjure mood. Wonderfully done!
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Thank you, Mae.:)
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Beautiful, Mark! I love the way you told the house’s story. You captured all the feels and mood.
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Thank you, Vashti. Who knows what joys, sadness, celebrations went on in there.
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Exactly. 😉
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This is a wonderful poem, Mark. I also feel the old emotions and feelings in old homes and love visiting them.
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Thanks, Robbie. There is something about the character of an old house.
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If only walls could talk! I watch a lot of the HGTV shows where they renovate old houses. Some of them work to restore the house while still keeping its charm. I always find it fascinating when they find little hidden gems. Thanks for sharing this poem with us, Mark! 🙂
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I agree, Yvette, old homes have a charisma and so many lives have unfolded in them. Thanks for stopping by.
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I wish I could hear the stories old buildings have to share. Beautiful post, Mark.
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Me too, Staci. Thanks for your visit!
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Quite unusual, Mark. Those photos do inspire some terrific thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks John.
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What a beautiful insight into the what was the past. I love exploring old buildings and wondering of the lives they contained!
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Thanks, Denise. I always think about what these old homes have seen.
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Beautiful!! I always wish I could hear the stories from old abandoned houses.
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Thanks Michelle. Me too.
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This is an incredibly powerful post, Mark! I LOVE old structures. They have so much to tell, if only they could talk. Thank you for sharing these photos and words! Have a great day!
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Thanks, Jan! These photos are from a 4 wheeling trip we took last year. Every old building has a tale to tell.
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My sentiments exactly! This was such a moving post.
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Thanks, Liz!
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You’re welcome, Mark!
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