Devoid of a family,
empty. empty.

The children are no longer within its protective grasp.
It longs...
it reaches out to another...
family.

Sadness fills and overwhelms.
No happiness within.

A dream is dying,
mourning is yet to come.

Stillness permeates and garbage abounds.
Merely a shelter to brave mice...
Pity the new ones...
They better have a cat - an educated one...
in mousing.

Let it die, let go, memories can be kept.
Allow the house to engulf and cherish a new family.
Hope they attain their goals and dreams.

The white house with brown trim on the corner with its
idiosyncrasies.
Crotchety pipes all; water and waste,
sensitive kitchen outlets.
Someone will want it and add respect.

This family holds new dreams;
freedom, space, and quiet.

The house will be and others will own.
The time is right to release.
The house is freed.

Life moves.

- Starlene D. Stewart
February 24, 1994