We thought our house was sturdy
Until we cracked the foundation
With our insecurity
Until we tore off the roof
With our pride
Until we flooded the living space
With our grief
Until we burned down the walls
With our anger
Until we tended the garden
With our neglect
Until we hid the ruins
With our embarrassment
When our ship docked in Juneau, I jumped off as quickly as possible, so I could have plenty of time to wander and take pictures. I came across this scene on that excursion, and I began to wonder what it had originally been and what brought it to this ruined state. I honestly think it was more of a warehouse or factory than a house, but this poem is still what my imagination created. It is a testament to why I love ekphrastic poetry so much; inspiration can come from anything and flow in any direction. I hope you can see what I saw.
This poem, as well as many others, is included in my debut poetry book When Can We Be Soft?. If you’re interested, get more information on my website under Works in Progress.
I love this poem!
Thanks so much, Debby! I’m so glad!!