The walls are empty,
pocked with nail holes,
shadows of pictures―
a room without windows.
Too many years
since the piano was tuned.
Behind the sofa no longer
a good place to hide.
Laughter sleeps like stones
under shroud sheets.
I have forgotten
the dance, the lampshade.
I pull a chamois from my pocket―
not going over Jordan―just spring cleaning.
Dust smells new: a scent of yellow.
The holes stare with tiny, hammered eyes.
I could use a shovel.
tk/March 2014
R.A.D. Stainforth breathes a bit of freshness to my words:
Heart breaking! Excellent poem!
ReplyDeleteDramatic progression here....by the end wall holes turn to eyes of....monster. The shovel could help....
ReplyDeleteSounds sad . Laughter sleeps like stones
ReplyDeleteunder shroud sheets.
I'll
It has feelings of sadness.
daunting task ahead, but worth it to reignite the laughter.
ReplyDeleteLooks like my teenage daughter's room! I, too, could use a shovel!
ReplyDeleteExquisite poetry ... Mr. Stainforth is remarkable today ...
ReplyDeleteThank you...I wholeheartedly agree...
DeleteThe title gives me a little ray of hope.
ReplyDeleteWith all the debris, a shovel is necessary. Nicely Tess!
ReplyDeleteHank
wonderful poem- third verse and last line especially! Thanks Tess for Magpie Tales!
ReplyDeleteWell done. I suggest you invest in two things; an insurance policy and a box of matches. X
ReplyDeletehmm. This one hit home for me. Such nostalgia
ReplyDeleteWell suited to the imagery. Love the picture.
ReplyDeleteNicely done Tess
ReplyDeleteA somber prompt, a somber poem. Well done...
ReplyDeleteOld age comes to us all.....remember to throw out all the furniture every few years !
ReplyDeleteA good one, Tess. Some excellent lines to chew on.
ReplyDeleteThat shovel is now dancing in my mind.
ReplyDeleteI could definitely use a shovel! Lol! Thanks for the pictures in my mind.
ReplyDeletethoughtful
ReplyDelete"Laughter sleeps like stones..." Gorgeous imagery!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful yet touching write. Loved the part where laughter sleeps like stone.
ReplyDeleteI like the mixed metaphor of a "scent of yellow". Very clever.
ReplyDeleteA shovel certainly seems in order, I think.
ReplyDeleteWow.. thats a lovely interpretation of the photograph Tess.
ReplyDeleteI loved the "yellow" reference here! :)
I appreciate your kind and generous comments, dear readers...
ReplyDeleteLove it and the last line hits the spot!
ReplyDeleteFabulously written and voiced and I so agree with Cait!
ReplyDeleteQuite a job for the spring cleaner. Nice!
ReplyDelete