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Joyce Johnson
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Washington State

0 posted 2002-07-29 03:00 AM


Antique Bed

Circa 1880, the sticker read.
I looked it over in the sale prevue.
An American walnut double bed,
Handcarvings embellished with curlicue.

Victorian style, a standard double,
Was the short description on the label.
There must be a story that could be told
By this bed had it only been able.

Had it been purchased by a newly-wed,
Gifted from him to his beautiful bride?
I pictured her delight when she saw it,
As he presented this treasure with pride.

Have there been babies born in its soft depths,
In the century of living it's seen?
Witnessed by this lovely, well-cared-for bed,
How many stories of life have there been?

Moments of love and anger, births and deaths
In invisible lines are written there.
A vanished world on this mellowed bedstead,
Once polished by someone, with loving care.

Eagerly I oubid all the others.
And when the auctioneer's "sold" gavel fell,
I knew I'd bought lots more than furniture.
I had bid on the lost stories as well.

That antique fitted with a new mattress,
Is a magnificent sight to behold.
Each night as I rest in its comfort, I hope
In my dreams, its mysteries will unfold.

By: Joyce 07/28/02

© Copyright 2002 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved
pegasus111
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since 2000-07-27
Posts 2219
ocala, fl, usa
1 posted 2002-07-29 09:10 AM


If only it could talk indeed..I really like the theme of this piece Joyce. Well done...

the woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and many miles to go before I sleep...Frost



Trillium
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Member Patricius
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098
Idaho, USA
2 posted 2002-07-29 07:48 PM


Joyce:  This is a lovely story and I'm so glad you have the bed to enjoy.  When one buys an antique of any kind, you just know there is an interesting history behind it.

Betty Lou Hebert

Moon Dust
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Skelmersdale, UK
3 posted 2002-07-30 04:48 PM


I know you do wonder dont you?
I often do that in the places I am in rather than objects

If your afraid of the dark, then why did you come?

Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2002-08-02 05:56 PM



Joyce, you must know how much I appreciate this poem.  I am writing a book and it, too, involves a very old bed, and the stories around it.  I also have the privilege of having in my home a bed from 1900...

so yes, this poem means a lot to me.  Thank you for sharing!

Joyce Johnson
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5 posted 2002-08-02 11:30 PM


Thank you Sunshine.  My daughter and I waited patiently all day for this bed to come up for sale.  It is beautiful. I wish you success with your story. Love, Joyce
laryalee2
Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 96
British Columbia, Canada
6 posted 2002-08-03 12:43 PM


Joyce, I can add my praise to the others...
you've portrayed this well, and it's a fascinating thought!

Lary


Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
7 posted 2002-08-03 01:32 PM


Joyce~
This is just so descriptively lovely~
Made me feel that I'd been to the auction~
Lucky you~
*Hugs*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
           noles1@totcon.com                       

ellie LeJeune
Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
8 posted 2002-08-11 12:41 PM


Wonderful poem, Joyce! My daughter and her husband are restoring and old Victorian home and she would love a bed like the one you so beautifully describe. hugs, Ellie

A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails.

Joyce Johnson
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Washington State
9 posted 2002-08-11 04:40 PM


Good luck to your daughter.  They are not easy to find but are worth the hunt.  We were lucky.  An antique dealer next to us knew how eager we were so did not bid against us, but she said she could sell it for three times what we paid.  Love, Joyce
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