Secrets of the Dead House

secrets of the dead house

the world is simultaneously old and young

where the dark sky and broken walls

of the desolate old house meet

(once the home of breathless happiness) -

now impoverished of life

as even the birds no longer

sing around here

it seems as if, when the fire of love died down

the promising clouds also came to nothing -

thunder bewildered the expected rain

though, the tree and wild thyme which now

reside inside the dilapidated walls

still grope for reasons to survive

through fallen bricks

the wind stutters plumes of forlornness

through the artless disguise of black eyes

of non-existent windows and doors -

pregnant secrets silently whisper

through deteriorating walls -

secrets that will never be borne

as death has no tongue

JEANETTE NEL LE ROUX

Copyright reserved

04 May 2021