ode to an old friend this old house
this old house was loved
lived in with joy and trust
where positive thoughts
were said and heard
empathy dwelled grief visited
love at all times
the order of the day everyday
this old house a home lived in
a craftsman house of a bygone era
singularly beautiful anchored built
over a century ago
nature embraced Mother Earth protected
trees wild flowers soaked up rain and
sunlight
life experiences abound and around
in this old house of a bygone era
time impressions in every room
nuances in construction here and there
squeaky oak floors
creaky solid doors
wood artisan carpenters
artists in their own right
exude character and beauty
stamped in every room
from the walls spirit you see
of the craftsmen and previous owners
births... celebrations
deaths... mournings
stories shared from the front porch
through the hallway from rooms from
attic
fading echoes you hear of a hundred years
laughters whispers of joy of tears promises
happiness flowed from glowing smiles
as you look up the ceilings as well curses screams frustrations and deep sorrows
a house that meditated life with
a welcoming spirit in namaste over the
years
spreading to its surroundings near and far
like a living being
with a halo and soul of its own
from the walls spirit you see
my new old friend
this simple craftsman of a house
beautiful proud structure
that celebrated gatherings on holidays
seasons of joy with family and friends
i want to go home to
soak the sweet fragrance from the kitchen
fill my soul with the savory comforting
food
and chill on its front porch a dessert
a glass of red wine maybe or beer
a happy hour with Father Time
grateful for the extended gift of time
the angels hand carried from above
with the twilight of the sun’s golden rays glimmering onto the flowers
and fall color leaves
a gossamer ethereal glow flashed
across the century old oak table top
with a patina that looked Elysian Merlin
like... my new old friend
this old house I want to go home to
brimming with memories
will have some more added to... from
a like traveler of the space and time
of the labyrinthine life’s romances
struggles successes... from
a new friend going home to an old friend... who waited a hundred years...
this old house I want to go home to
***
©ndr 07.25.2023
Photo: ndr W Trinity Durham NC