That Old House

What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on? - Thoreau

random shutters lost from next to dirty windows

others unsecured and banging in yesterday's forgotten breeze

here and there a clapboard or shingle missing in action

paint peeling like onion skin

swaying, creaking porch swing hanging by a rusty chain on one side

weeds growing 'tween cracks in a frost-heaved sidewalk

yard a mess with the debris of bygone years including an old car up on blocks

it'd always just been there

occasionally through a window

a hand might be seen pushing aside a drapery panel

sad eyes peering out from a silhouette of loneliness

busy lives passing by every day

no one ever bothering to stop

to risk straining a finger to ring the bell or hurt knuckles with a knock

no one knew anything about it and its owner or occupant

quiet as a diligent, faithful, church mouse

it'd always just been there

that old house

Author's Note

"Our houses are such unwieldy property that we are often imprisoned rather than housed in them. I turned my face more exclusively than ever to the woods, where I was better known." - Thoreau

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

That picture conjurs up so many thoughts and feelings, Pete. For me there is instant sadness that.. people have either walked away from it or been take away from it.. more than legal rather than emotional reasons left what had probably been a home rather than a rotting building. Every wall must have memories burned into its build, every window must have have dozens of invisible reflections. As to the occupants, are they - in fact, still there trying to find somewhere to hide or.. are they needing to escape..

Sad and mysterious.. your description rakes at thought, Pete

[Pete]

yes, sad to it fall into disrepair or be vacant or become a living prison for some. so much life taking place under that roof. do we own it or does it own us?

[emmajoygreen]

Both! Thought of which when I initially read your poem. Has been said that the walls of a Home (note not house) has the same familiarity as a bed.

[Pete]

Indeed. My dad used to make a distinction between a house and a home as you allude.

[emmajoygreen]

A dad's wisdom is only second to mum's - I'm neither but one or both of mine were initially involved in my teeny brain cells!

[Betty Hermelee]

It seems like this fellow is a prisoner in his own house.... and people fear him.... Where I live we have many old houses that look abandoned but they are just unkempt....like the one you so vividly portray... Why does this happen that people get trapped in their own homes....very sad indeed....the house and the photo almost remind me of the movie ""Psycho"... a bit haunting.... lovely!
Warmly, B

[Pete]

thanks b. yes it does happen - we can become prisoners in our own houses. time ever marches on.

[John the Baptist]

I'm sure it looked different in past years, as did the occupants

[Pete]

... not to mention you and me both. time marches on, stopping for no one and no thing. thanks j the b.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

know this song? I had this song on a 78 record when I was a kid...back when it first came out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nstn4Wscl1w

[Pete]

very happy bit of nostalgia. she was very good. i have a friend who still listens to such music. how cool that you had it on 78 vinyl. so many stories and legends associated with such structures.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This is so beautiful...I have quite an imagination when it comes to seeing houses like this...once lived in, now lived out.
great scene...
I like old barns that are broken down but still standing...and I imagine the activity there as well.

[Pete]

If only such old structures could tell their stories.

[Poetic Beauty]

There are some houses like that with people who you never see. Gives the house a mysterious and creepy feel. And often leads to urban ledgers or folklore about who lives there and some kind of tragic or scary tale to go along with it.

[Pete]

some people like to make up legends about such places. if only such houses could talk and tell us their story.

[Poetic Beauty]

It would be an interesting story I’m sure rich in history

[Anita Frader]

There was a house like this in every small town I've lived in, and as children we always made up stories of witches, ghosts, murderers. Looking back at those years as I grew older I often wondered at the lonely lives behind those windows and doors. It's sad to think on. Your write has touched my heart.

[Pete]

seems every town had one. too bad we can't say as much for compassion. thank you for sharing - it is appreciated.

[Anita Frader]

You're welcome, Pete.

[Einstein Noodle]

i recognize "That Old House" from most all stages of my life. many of them where explored by myself or with friends .. looking for the ghosts and unfound treasures .. porcelain door knobs ... your poem brings lots of memories and scenes to my mind .. inspiring .. i like the detail
E.

[Pete]

cruel, neighborhood kids used to torment the occupant of such a house where i grew up. at the time, i had not the guts to stand up for the person. thanks for sharing e.

[Einstein Noodle]

oh man!!! i can so relate to that, Pete ... so many times that what comes to be a very small amount of courage and character to stand for those who face ridicule and bullying ... every day sometimes ... a very strong lesson to keep in focus says i ... and use those circumstances to build us into better people ... peace and joy and love
E.