Clapboard Monument


A gray, clapboard monument
rises from its cemetery of weeds.
The only thing keeping it upright
is the memory of dreams.
Hope nailed the walls
to build a home, but
despair eroded it into
an empty house.


©Susie Clevenger 2012
Poem inspired by the photography of: Mary Ann Potter
The Sunday Challenge at Real Toads
Thursday Poet's Rally
The Poetry Palace
Thanks so much for the Perfect Poet Award. I am honored


My nomination for The Perfect Poet Award is:
Raven's Press

Comments

Sherry Blue Sky said…
Oh, Susie. How powerful! "Hope nailed the walls....but despair eroded it." I also love the idea of the "cemetery of weeds". Perfect interpretation of the photo.
February 19, 2012 at 5:20 PM
Janet Martin said…
LOVE this! The first two lines made me pause and re-read them...and what but despair causes someone to abandon a home? This aches with beauty. Thank-you~
February 19, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Herotomost said…
That was the photo I picked as well...I love that house and you nailed it very well with your description. Not sure what it is that makes it nostalgic, cuz at dusk if my car breaks down and I am going to that house for help....damn...I'd be a little spooked. I'm a sissy that way....lol.
February 19, 2012 at 5:40 PM
Mary Ann Potter said…
Susie, what a beautiful way to respond to my photograph! You've captured pretty much what I see in these wonderful old places. They are worth remembering, and your words and images are a touching memorial to this particular house!
February 19, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Daydreamertoo said…
Awww how sad. Fabulous imagery but, so sad.
February 19, 2012 at 6:35 PM
Grace said…
This is so sad and tragic...great capture of the gray and empty house ~
February 19, 2012 at 7:00 PM
Kay L. Davies said…
What a wonderful description of this house, Susie, a monument in a cemetery of weeds. I love it.
K
February 19, 2012 at 8:44 PM
Teresa said…
Lovely imagery. That is certainly an appealing picture.
February 19, 2012 at 9:55 PM
Fireblossom said…
A life (of a house) in 8 lines. Such places make me feel curious, and sad, and wistful.
February 19, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Mimi Foxmorton said…
What a tribute to this lovely old house. I wonder if it's feeling more alive with all the attention being paid.....?

:)

Mimi
Collage Pirate
February 20, 2012 at 6:35 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
I think you said it all in the contrast between hope and despair.
February 20, 2012 at 8:23 AM
Margaret said…
Hope nailed, despair eroded...

This was just delicious!
February 22, 2012 at 1:51 PM
Chèvrefeuille said…
Awesome Susie. Great picture and accompanied with the poem it makes a masterpiece.

Namaste
February 22, 2012 at 5:30 PM
booguloo said…
I grew up in a clapboard neighborhood and you brought back some memories.
February 22, 2012 at 10:17 PM
~L said…
My, my dearie! This was excellent!! You know it's good poetry when you read it over and over again!

beautiful!!

:)

~L
February 23, 2012 at 12:11 AM
br!nDle said…
~memory of dreams~
loved it...
so amazingly described...:)
February 23, 2012 at 6:11 AM
Tigerbrite said…
These places always fascinate me. Sad you saw despair there.
February 23, 2012 at 6:51 AM
Unknown said…
Awwww made me feel the house was alive too ...great read thank you x
February 23, 2012 at 8:02 AM
Charlie Parant said…
Susie,I love what you've done to the place!
February 23, 2012 at 10:37 AM
Mark Butkus said…
Hope nailed the walls to build a home.

A great poem overall but a fantastic line.

Cheers,

Mark Butkus
February 23, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Karen said…
A wonderful poem Susie. "Memory of dreams"...poingant.
February 23, 2012 at 12:24 PM
jennifaye said…
I love the image of "memory of dreams" propping up a house.
February 25, 2012 at 1:07 AM
rch said…
Really like the mood of this, excellent word usage.
February 25, 2012 at 6:07 AM
Die Reise meines Leben said…
Great imagery! A house grows and flourishes with hopes and dreams. Without those, it will lose its shines and despair...
February 26, 2012 at 6:08 PM
dakshi said…
Great post and imagery.
February 29, 2012 at 8:14 AM
Anonymous said…
The passing of time... It won't omit anything nor anybody... Well put!
March 2, 2012 at 7:30 AM
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