Restoration

Restoration

sagging shutters - hapless gutters

peeling paint - damning plaint

critters come and go at will

unwanted tenants still

former grandness up and gone

overgrown lawn

her heyday bygone day

Boston ivy run amok - down on her luck

windowpanes now dark and dead

once blaring life into the night

music and laughter echoed from rafters

awaiting her fate - is it too late

what caused her sad decline

was it merely Time

grande dame of the neighborhood in her day

she ruled the view with graceful drive - alert - alive

wrought iron railings, landscaped finery

stately eaves and porticos

pristine trim - stately Georgian prim

defeated 'fore me now

mere shadow of former grandeur

a fixer, me

a man with a plan - tools in hand

she’s paid her dues

this dowager with worn out shoes

with jack, hammer, paintbrush and saw

her potential in mind putty in my hands

love in my heart (my favorite part)

with patience and pride, I reveal what she hides

her heartbeat returns - life through yon window burns

once more laughter rings - in elation she sings

a hymn to her soul's restoration

Comments: 22

Richard Lynn Livesay May 6, 2012, 10:37pm UTC

"a hymn to her soul's restoration"...what a fun poem to read felt like I was helping spray paint the house....a rhym'n good time...sshhhhwwooo, I'm tired

accepted on Surreal Circus

stephen berwaldt May 8, 2012, 8:25am UTC

Thanks, Richard... Terrific comment.

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JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ May 6, 2012, 10:41pm UTC

So easy to read this on a figurative, and literal, level.

stephen berwaldt May 8, 2012, 8:26am UTC

It can be, I suppose. poems can be literally written and also be metaphorical. That's why poetry had such broad appeal, but sadly, some don't get poetry at all.

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Len Maxwell May 6, 2012, 10:52pm UTC

I particularly liked the transition from sadness to joy.

Thanks for sharing with Gather’s Luminous Writers & Artists.

stephen berwaldt May 8, 2012, 8:26am UTC

Thank you, Len.

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JOHN BECK May 6, 2012, 11:14pm UTC

It gives a sense of the dedication involved in doing the restoration--the respect for what she once was and the hope for what she can become. Well done.

stephen berwaldt May 8, 2012, 8:28am UTC

Remodeling has more purpose to it than just whacking lumber together. There is more of a spiritual purpose to it than new construction. More of a "purpose".
Thank you, John.

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Priya P. May 7, 2012, 1:11am UTC

I can so appreciate this! Today marks the last day of my home restoration. I'm extremely happy with the results and most important because my ex didn't think I could do it, financially or otherwise. But did. Your poem somehow meant alot to me.

Stephen I really would feature this but for some reason, feature button is not working for me tonite. Go figure!

stephen berwaldt May 8, 2012, 8:29am UTC

Thanks for your comments, Priya. Congratulations for your success in the face of doubt. Those are the sweetest victories.

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elizabeth evans May 7, 2012, 4:06am UTC

If I had a "Painted Lady" in distress, I certainly would call you, Steve.

stephen berwaldt May 8, 2012, 8:30am UTC

And I'd come, running.

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CL Mareydt May 7, 2012, 10:18am UTC

... excellent imagery & it drew me into seeing what you were seeing ...

☀★¸¸.☆.¸¸ . ✶*¨*. ¸ .✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¸¸.☆.¸¸ . ☀★☀★¸¸.☆.¸¸ . ✶*¨*.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING AT SURREAL CIRCUS!

stephen berwaldt May 8, 2012, 8:30am UTC

Thank you, CL. Your comments are wonderful. Keep it up.

CL Mareydt May 8, 2012, 9:44am UTC

★☀★★☀★ ... I'm just trying to OUT DO your terrific writing ... tee-hee ... like that could ever work ... ;--/ ★☀★★☀★

stephen berwaldt May 8, 2012, 10:13am UTC

I think you could...your comments have the ability to uplift just as much as poetry...

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Ann Marcaida May 7, 2012, 11:02am UTC

Beautiful plot and ode to the house as a symbol of the soul. I think an old house with a long history calls for longer lines in her ode, though. Short lines seem too modern for a painted lady.