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Open Poetry #44
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unboundpoetess
Member
since 2008-05-24
Posts 477


0 posted 2009-04-21 06:04 PM


Sorry for the repeat guys.The house that inspired this has finally been "stilled" by a controlled burn. I used to sneak in to read war letters that were scattered all over the floor.
All are ashes now.

Song of the Hollow House


Umber dreams and hollow houses
Lay hushed in dusk, perfumed
Blackberry vines choke the porches
In lightless darkling mood
Resigned, to strangled surrender
The bramble holds me, too

The bramble holds me, too.

White milky breast has turned to dust
The suckling lips, gone pale
Bleat a quivering lullaby
The barren cradle wails
Wrapped in wraithweb, the rocking chair
I cannot breech the veil

I cannot breech the veil.

Old willows bow in sorrowsong
The path is overgrown
Ghostprints lost, grow indifferent moss
To suffocate the stone
Wild briars bridle ages cold
The ivy wraps my bones

The ivy wraps my bones.

Beetles heavy with bitter board
Stand sentinel, until
Bequeathed to worms, the ghosts are left
To linger on the hill
Withered hymn of hollow houses
soulsick lyric, be still

Be still
Be still
Be still


© Copyright 2009 Heather - All Rights Reserved
serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

1 posted 2009-04-21 07:02 PM


This works wonderfully metaphorically, but even literally, I have such a thing for old houses. They hold so much history, and stand as silent witness to time.

I just love them, and I get fierce urges to fix 'em up--not that I'm capable, but I do love it when I get to witness restoration.

*smile*

Maybe I just love restoration of all kinds.

Forgive me. I'm chatty today.

Loved the poem.

Osprey
Member
since 2009-04-12
Posts 249

2 posted 2009-04-21 07:43 PM


Wonderful poem, really is. I once had the same experience. A little place called Goring, nestled in the Thames gorge. An old house, abandoned, and letters scattered all over the floor. I always had the feeling that I shouldn't be in the house, but never that I shouldn't be reading the letters.
Someone had left that house and left them to be read.
And the feeling that they should be left there was so strong.

WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
3 posted 2009-04-21 09:05 PM


Unboundpoetess,  This is absoulutey beautiful,  so well written,
Very much enjoyed this one.
Tracey

critical mass
Member
since 2009-03-25
Posts 275
Michigan
4 posted 2009-04-21 10:21 PM


Great poem

Umber dreams and hollow houses
Lay hushed in dusk, perfumed
Blackberry vines choke the porches
In lightless darkling mood
Resigned, to strangled surrender
The bramble holds me, too

This is quite an opener. It is a poem in itself.

Cheers

CM



OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
5 posted 2009-04-22 05:24 AM


I felt this from the sole of my soul.  Exquisitely expressed.  

I wrote a suite of 2 poems, on a similar subject, but I am nowhere near your league.  

Thank you for the treasures with which you are enriching us.  Currently, I don't have the time to read and even less to respond, but nevertheless have come across your sparkling gems.  

Owl

Dark Stranger
Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631
West Coast
6 posted 2009-04-22 09:12 AM


they say the houses are alive as the wood of their walls soaks in life from the skin of those who live there...dunno, but some old houses know me and I have never been in them before...way cool
Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
7 posted 2009-04-22 12:52 PM


This brings back the memory of an old abandoned house from my childhood where I sat on the floor, looking at old pictures that where just scattered around and wondering about the people who left them, This is just so well done, Love it.
                                  iDA

unboundpoetess
Member
since 2008-05-24
Posts 477

8 posted 2009-04-22 05:37 PM


Thank you, Ms. Blaze. I like you chatty.

Osprey, I agree about the letters. I recall the air crackling as I read them.

Tracey, thank you for your kind reply.

Cheers back, CM. Hope you enjoyed.

Humble thanks, Owl. I am a fan of yours.

Dark, would one call that Jamais vu? Hmmm

Appreciate you, Ida. There are many abandoned homes in my rural town. Perusing them as a child made me feel so Scooby-Doo..lol. TY

Prasad Nataraj
Senior Member
since 2008-05-29
Posts 1149
Bangalore,India
9 posted 2009-04-23 06:28 AM


Old abandoned houses never fail to inspire artists and poets, clam and pleasant during the day. Creepy, crawly during the night, lovely poem.

"Hardwork pays in the long run"

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