Real Estate

I live in a home that is spacious
It's larger than life you might say
And within its rooms so capacious
Dwell memories of ephemeral days

The amenities of old homes approximate
Younger abodes in function and purpose
They differ only in construction date
And once restored are far from worthless

This house has existed a long time
But it is still a structure that is sturdy
Belying that ubiquitous line
"don't trust them if they're over thirty"

From the street the home's still attractive
With pleasing visual appeal
But tiny cracks in it's stucco need patching
A closer inspection reveals

The paint is old yet not faded
And it still has a colorful luster
But the facade is now somewhat dated
Not quite as vibrant as others

You can tell the roof's lasted for years
Though shaken it's proven it's able
Enduring through inclement weather
To consistently shelter its table

As you approach along the front walkway
You'll admire the flowers and plants
Of a garden a lifetime has nurtured
Like love blossoms full from romance

As you stand on the threshold and ring
Of elderly inhabitants to inquire
You might wonder which lyrics age sings
As the past to the present transpires

As in life, the years have their season
A favorite of many is Spring
But they say pride goes before the Fall
Though it's wisdom that Autumn oft brings

As the door opens providing a glimpse
Of a mirrored entry into another's life
Reflections reveal only mere hints
Unless you're careful to read between lines

Near the kitchen there's a sunny bay window
That looks out from a cozy breakfast nook
And the seated views from there can endow
A wide smile when you're preparing to cook

The backyard is both verdant and deep
Inviting you to relax and stay there
But it's landscaped with willows that weep
For halcyon youth that once played there

Though the family room has grown cold
All it needs is a new fire in its hearth
For the ashes of ancient flames hold
The radiance of new heat once resparked

And the carpet that leads down the hall
Is worn from all those who did tread there
But it is still soft and warm wall to wall
Comfortable to tired soles, not threadbare

And in the expanse of its bedrooms
Which once embraced yearning and passion
A bride could discover a groom
A gentle man's love is never old-fashioned

If you want some advice that is sage
There's no reason to be bewildered
Though the models of homes differ with age
They all have the cachet of the Builder

And though their dimensions may vary
In weathering heights of ceilings above
Their is one truth that is unerring
These old rooms are still filled with love