Monday, July 02, 2007

Thirteen Ways of Looking at Homeownership

Inspired by Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird by Wallace Stevens

I

Across the threshold they passed, he and she.
It was no Hollywood moment.
"I think you're supposed to carry me, not toss me over your shoulder..."



II

God, grant me the serenity to ignore the pink door
Until I have time to repaint it.



III
Thirty years.
"Do you think we will still live here in thirty years?"
"No."
They signed.



IV

If a limb falls from a tree in my yard
(and downs a cable line)
(and narrowly misses a parked car)
(but is in the city right of way, technically)
But I am not home to witness it,
Does it make a noise?
(and am I liable for the damage?)



V
June 15: Change air filter.
July 15: Change air filter.
August 15: Change air filter.
September 15: Change air filter.
To know infinity is to change the air filter.



VI

"Oakwood Manor" is immeasurably better
than the faux finish that preceeded it.
(More "faux" than "finish," to be sure.)
Another successful project comple--
Wow, those windowsills are filthy...




VII
So much depends on
a blue ceiling and yellow walls.

Why, previous homeowners, why?



VIII

Little rosebush, your
vibrant blooms greet me through my
bathroom window. Hope.


And now for something interactive: current and future homeowners, help me finish the last five stanzas. Wax poetic in the comments section. _the _analyst

IX


X


XI


XII


XIII

3 comments:

Casey Weatherford said...

IX
How do I fix thee?
Let me count the ways.
I fix thee to the depth and breadth and height
My bank account can reach.

KatieMc said...

X
At the sight of cockroaches
Scurrying at the turned-on light
Even Steel Magnolias
Would cry out sharply.

Anonymous said...

Interesting to know.