Where the weeds have overgrown.

From my boyhood years, I still recall

joyously running through the old back door.
But my joyous shouts shout no more...
As my sister sleeps on a graveyard floor.

In this old home, where once we lived,
the weeds have overgrown.
The swing set's now a rusted thing;
the see-saw sits alone.

Our youth now seems like a made-up dream.
Old picture frames display a theme
with Mom and Dad near the backyard tree.

Yet sadly, all that's left
is me.

Author's Note

A man goes back to his abandoned childhood home.

Reviews

[Davidgeo]

At the risk of sounding overly pretentious... are you familiar with the phrase "lieu de memoire"?

I am not from France and I don't truly speak French. But, whoa. It changed my concept of memory, space and time if only slightly. The French language is... mmm... magnificent.

[T]

I heard it said one time. The french language is exquisite. Thanks.

[John the Baptist]

I had similar feelings when I visited the neighborhood where I grew up. Odd how the past has a hold on us, even when we seldom think about it.

[T]

It really does, John. I think about the first home we lived in when I was six-years-old. It was razed for an expressway. I still think about it from time to time, hence, this poem.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

this poem swings so far in opposite directions it almost gave me whiplash. but that is life, the good days comes and go and tragedy stalks us each and every way. it's a devestating poem. but life is so.
and i'd like to ask you if i may, do the good memories help you get through the day?

[T]

The poem itself is fiction, Ern. Most of my poems are. Thanks so much for your comment.

[_missy_]

This poem somewhat reminds me of "Ghost House" by Robert Frost because it has a similarly bittersweet tone that is so captivating. Overall, I admire the truth that seeps into the words; it is truly noteworthy.

[T]

I appreciate your comment, missy, thank you. :) I'll have to give Ghost House a read.

[Chris Shaw]

Such a poignant pen Tim. Really touches the heartstrings. Those old photos and memories of our youth can certainly take us on a nostalgia trip. Tomorrow it will be seven years since my younger brother died. Your poem brought him back to me and I thank you for that, plus reflecting on the time I had with my wonderful parents.

Chris

[T]

I'm glad you liked it, Chris, thanks for reading. :)

[SheIsMe]

I understand this on a personal level. Kinda ripped me apart reading it. I love the imagery in this. Well done.

[T]

Thanks for your thoughts, S.

[Jinx Bane]

An interesting and meaningful piece, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this poem. I hope you keep writing things in the same tone and mood.

[T]

Thanks, Jinx.

[Amber L]

Very cool (: Mystical. Liked it.

[T]

I thank you.

[NotUsinganymore]

Very mournful poem, I enjoyed it.

[Lea Sheryn]

Sad. This poem grips at the soul. Well done.