was it a dream
or a memory
she said she’d never leave
a grand dame
in need of a palace
you were
to her
everyone who went by
couldn’t help
but stop and take in your beauty
she cared for you
more than the kids
you stood for wealth
you stood for
what everyone else
strived
you were cared for
with dabs of paint to cover blemishes
so that when the ladies
came for tea
there would be
no talk
under the table
that you were no longer
what you use to be
yielding to age
you peeled
floor boards creaked
the sink clogged and leaked
the grand dame
wrinkled and aged
stayed
she said she’d never leave
her palace
now busted up
and boarded
a spirit walks the darkened halls
of this once house beautiful