The purple gloom of midnight hides
all outward signs of the decay.
A sense of grandeur still abides.
That’s absent by the light of day.
Stray silver moonbeams softly show
to best advantage what remains
of elegance from long ago
but very tactfully refrain,
From highlighting faults and flaws,
so obvious in the bright sunlight.
The broken panes and sagging doors
are kindly hidden by the night..
The formal gardens overgrown.
They have been long deprived of care,
dividing walls just heaps of stone.
Show through the brambles here and there.
I chose to walk this way by night.
By daylight it distresses me
to see it in its present plight.
When I recall it used to be.
A boys idea of paradise
I used to wish that it was mine.
It makes me sad to realise.
Nothing can halt its slow decline.
They’ll tear it down and in its place.
They will erect monstrosities
without a single saving grace.
That they can sell profitably.
A stately home for centuries
will disappear without a trace.
But I will retain my memories.
That something that they can’t erase.
7-Apr-08
This is a great poem as well. I found a couple of technical things that made it a 9, but this is a poem everyone can read and enjoy. GW62
This is an excellent poem.Memories are to treasure aleays.Worthy of a 10.
This is a subject that touches me deeply. It's sad to watch the decay and riuin of a childhood home. You are so right, they can't destroy the memories....Wonderfully penned.......Marianna
Wonderfully done, Very caring heart. thanks for sharing Michael
A graceful and lyric remembrance. My wife has taken me to her grandmother's house in Missouri which has fallen to ruin. We stood on the porch before a broken window and Robin told me stories of where everything used to be and how everyone who lived there busied their days.
Stray silver moonbeams softly show to best advantage what remains of elegance from long ago but very tactfully refrain, Rachel Ann Butler
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Ivor my friend, You have captured a beautiful scenery, very grand flowing expression of words, your ability to create these fine works of art are in a league of their very own. I love the way you gracefully tease the reader into wanting more. A strong visually composed poem my friend. *10* Best wishes Jon