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| Copyright Rochell Wisoff-Fields |
Edith had stared
Out her window
For nearly 50 years.
Edith had watched
Weather changes,
Children playing,
Family picnics.
Today, fields
Were silent.
Her house was silent.
Edith herself was silent.
Last mourners had closed the door.
The parlor was overpowered with
The scent of roses and carnations.
The table held remnants of
Sandwiches and pie.
Edith did what she always did:
She cleaned up.
Now she stood at the kitchen window.
What to do? What to do, now?
Edith carried her suitcases
To the car,
Locked the house.
And left.
To where?
She did not know.
Everyone, at one time or another, looks at the empty house and winding road. Sometimes they close the door and start the car. Sometimes the doors and cars remain silent, and sometimes the suitcase goes back in. Have you ever been there? I have.
Mentally/spiritually/emotionally I have been there often. And need to remember to take the road less travelled.
ReplyDeleteGood thing to do at sometime.
DeleteWow. That touched a lot of feelings. I have certainly been there.
ReplyDeleteIn my mind, I am the one carrying and moving on.
DeleteYES, but the suit case has never gone back in.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. Being able to move on is a gift.
DeleteI've never had an empty house to look at yet. I guess I'm lucky.
ReplyDeleteYou are. Enjoy your house, take photos of the rooms.
DeleteNo empty house yet, and when that happens, if i'm the last one standing, i will have a mell-of-a-hess to clean before i even get to thinking of packing.
ReplyDeleteOh boy howdy.
DeleteI'm sure it will one day.
ReplyDeleteIt is inevitable.
DeleteYes. Looking back at the closed door always stays with you.
ReplyDeleteI regret not going to our empty farmhouse one more time, and walking through the vacant rooms
DeleteVery sad. Transitions are hard.
ReplyDeleteWhen my parents reached this stage, it was incredibly hard.
DeleteOur home is quieter without the kiddos but thankfully we still have each other. I've watched others deal with that last goodbye. My Grandmother, my Mother, my sister, friends. Somehow each have handled it differently. In my life time will tell I guess. Life always has the bitter with the sweet.
ReplyDeleteIt always comes with timelines. We are now on the stage, next in line.
DeleteI have not been there yet. I did clean up my dad's flat as he was in hospital for his last days, he expected he would improve and go home, but after a week, I had my job and kids to get back to. He died a few days later, but it was my brother who emptied the flat and walked away.
ReplyDeleteThat is a story in itself. I am so sorry that you were pulled away.
Delete