But it was home. And though home is a name, a word, it is a
strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit answered to, in
strongest conjuration. ~Charles Dickens
It is the welcome place and the goodbye place
the hand reaching out
with a grip as sure as an Oklahoma twister
I stepped upon that porch
unaware of the storms I would be sheltered from
and those that take place inside
years passed like migrating birds
I watched them from my window
where rooms became smaller
and girls’ hearts grow bigger
holding secrets louder than the creaking steps
just down the hall
you see hope is a heavy suitcase
it stays packed right by the door
the one where welcome has long since lost its charm
and farewell is but an open door away.
I love this! "The welcome place and the goodbye place".....and the years passing like migrating birds - what an awesome simile. I LOVE "hope is a heavy suitcase " that stays by the door. Wow, Carrie! Excellent.
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Delete"with a grip as sure as an Oklahoma twister" - ooh!!! That's amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe image speaks of the many stories the house could tell --- and you have given us one using enchanting descriptive phrases. Standing ovation from my corner!
ReplyDeleteSo smooth, such good reading. I was waiting to see what the finder of our prompt picture might write, you did not disappoint. I am looking now to see if anyone was "inspired" by the cute dog house on the right.
ReplyDelete..
"the one where welcome has long since lost its charm
ReplyDeleteand farewell is but an open door away."
loved that ending. this was a unique take on the prompt than most took... good eye! enjoyed very much
I love the birds and the suitases. "She's leaving home, bye bye"
ReplyDeleteLove this Carrie! Wonderful atmospheric and descriptive phrasing.
ReplyDeleteOh, right to the heart.
ReplyDeleteI really love what you have done in this poem, Carrie. The house is a living framework, and metaphor, for those who live in it. The opening lines are excellent, as is the echo of loss at the end. I especially like "..hope is a heavy suitcase.." Sometimes too heavy to carry unless you unpack it.
ReplyDeleteHello / goodbye ~~~ lots of sighs as I read this Carrie.
ReplyDeleteSuch strong emotions pulsing through your atmospheric poem. I feel sorrow for those who reside in this place.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many good lines in this. Loved reading it.
ReplyDelete"you see hope is a heavy suitcase
ReplyDelete"it stays packed right by the door
the one where welcome has long since lost its charm
and farewell is but an open door away."
Very inciteful, tinged with sadness.
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ReplyDeleteI love this - from the excellent title to the end
ReplyDelete