POEM: But that was Before [5]

about:
ROOTS

TEARS IN A BOTTLE COLLECTION
Caryl Ramsdale, American Poetess

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so; I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
JOHN 14:2 KJV

BUT THAT WAS BEFORE
to Racquel Barger

There used to be an apple tree
Near this walkway by that front door—
On a branch behind leaves and fruit,
Life was plain, but that was before.
Underneath the porch over there
Was a safe, secret hiding place—
That windowed snowball peonies
Through a lattice covered crawl space.
Down the side yards grew thick hedges
Defining a property line—
A big, old, tire swing tree grew there,
Threw shade toward poles holding clothesline.
A breezeway with a squeaky door
And drop down snack bar with yard view
Was built around a cool concrete floor.
Near the narrow alley access
A basketball rim and backboard;
Hung high on the detached garage
Where swishing sounds, and slam-dunks scored.
That’s the way I remember it,
But it’s not like that anymore—
All I knew was aging like me when
Life was plain, but that was before.

Copyright©1999-2010 Caryl Ramsdale All Rights Reserved.