Shadow of Dreams

Shadow of Dreams Look at this HOUSE – shadow of dreams Of hands once strong with hope – This empty shell echos Dreams once dreamed Where promise once sat On a PORCH decorated With swings sheltered by FERNS Hung from a ROOF and eaves Of gingerbread trim Surrounded by a GARDEN With a gate – a DOOR with a glass ROSETTE– A WINDOW into a life Discarded like a broken jar Preserving faith like rows of jams and jellies – A windowpane framed by shredded lace Of shattered wishes Littering a desolate STAIRCASE Leading up to barren emptiness - Where cobwebs ensnare careless visitors In the turret named despair – my newest friend – Trapped as a prisoner of shame – Lonely sorrow and regrets – Living in desolation - Bones bare to unforgiving waves of heat Ragging wilderness hurricanes - All I see is life flowing out of me In my poor dwelling place Yet, A new breath of WHISPERS Calls creaking footsteps - Seek out a musty cellar corner Set on a foundation unfailing Where the heart beats - a steady rhythm – A single lantern light still lives – Holding the key To restoration Of this old home. 7-15-20 Decaying Old House Poetry Contest Sponsor: Constance LaFrance