ABANDONED NUMBERS (for WPC: NUMBERS)

I have seen the abandoned house during one of my walks in the summer of last year. This morning, I walked the same route looking for things to photograph. I already knew about the rambling red house, but today, I noticed the old mailbox bearing the faded numbers and half covered by spring flowers and foliage.   My husband, who grew up in the same neighborhood, later told me that the house used to be owned by the person who sold to my in-laws the property where they live. Afterwards, the same seller sold the red house and surrounding area to a couple who operated a strawberry farm. About ten years ago, the couple parted ways and the house deteriorated after that.

 

EACH YEAR

Each year, the grass creeped a little closer
the branches grew a little longer

It seemed

the lawnmower became a little weaker
the chainsaw a little duller
the farmer napped a little longer

on the chair by the window

he watched

mildew invade the once pristine walls
the fields disappear into hay
the seasons change

One spring day
the branches finally knocked on the windows
the grass stood at the door

It opened no more.

 

For WPC:  Numbers