Ted Kooser wrote a poem titled "Abandoned House." In his poem he paints a picture of a family that lived a rather destitute life in a country house. I have selected a few of Kooser's lines to portray the depravity that led ultimately to the house's abandonment.
He was a big man, says the size of his shoes . . .
A woman lived with him, says the bedroom wall
papered with lilacs . . .
papered with lilacs . . .
Money was scarce . . .
she left in a nervous haste.
I'm sure you have had thoughts about who the persons were that once occupied an uninhabited house along some farm road.
Mr. Kooser uses words to draw pictures, attempting to capture the lives that once existed in his poem's vacant house.
Source: "Abandoned House," Sure Signs, New Selected Poems, Ted Kooser, Zoland Books
Photos: abandoned farm house, Madison County, Kentucky
The perfect words for this poignant picture!
ReplyDeleteOh my....that is really quite beautiful.....
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I DO always wonder. When we were younger and living in the country we would often sneak in a window. It was never disappointing.
Simply beautiful.
Thank you! I'm always sad to see abandoned houses and always wonder why. I'm going to find Ted's book -- what I saw here was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love the device of having the elements in the house speak. I'll have to look for more of his poems on the internet. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI like the post and the poem very much. Its so fitting, I have had such thoughts when wandering about photographing some farming landscapes that are no more. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Ted Kooser fan! He wrote a very helpful booked called a "Manual" for poets that I find one of the most sensible books for those who want to write a poem now and then.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are beautifully sad and perfect with the poem.
Love that poem and your images. Walking the rooms it's hard not to think of the family and their lives.
ReplyDeleteLove the central chimney in this house form.
ReplyDeleteVicki -- Yes, Ted Kooser's poem really set the mood for the photos. Thanks -- barbara
ReplyDeleteMiMi -- When I was young, married with children we actually moved into an old abandoned farmhouse complete with lots of mice, dead birds, broken windows etc. -- I loved the challenge of turning it into a home but at first I felt the aura of its past owners. Thanks barbara
ReplyDeleteHi Kay -- Libraries have lots of Ted's books also, many used on Amazon.I buy used for most of my books.I've always loved his poetry and the man himself. Thanks -- barbara
ReplyDeleteKass - From his online bio, "Kooser is widely praised for his plainspoken style, his gift for metaphor, and his quiet discoveries of beauty in ordinary things." This quote spells out the very reasons I like him. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteJune, I am so glad you mentioned his book, "Manual." I am not one to write poetry although I wish I had the talent. Maybe I should get the book and try my hand. I am sure other readers will appreciate that you mentioned it. Thanks for the comment and the info -- barbara
ReplyDeleteFarmchick, I know that you are a fan of old structures. Doesn't it pain you to see these lovely old farmhouses decaying as you travel the Kentucky landscape. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- Thank you for the comments on my images and the Kooser poem. I think if he would have been a photographer rather than a poet he would still be able to tell intriguing stories with his camera -- much like you do. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteqpb- Your post photos are great. I read your posts on a regular basis. Thanks for the nice comment -- barbara
ReplyDeleteI love them both, the poem and the house. It is a shame these homes are left to slowly fall apart.
ReplyDeleteThat poem perfectly sums up that photo and vica versa.
ReplyDeletejANET -- So many old houses are left to degrade into a pile of rubble. Thanks for the comment -- barbara
ReplyDeleteJayne -- Wish I could write half as well as Ted Looser. Thanks for stopping by. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteRonda -- Thanks for the nice comment and stopping by -- barbara
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post Barbara. The poem and the photos worked so well together.
ReplyDeleteMama -Bug -- I'm sure you have seen many abandoned houses on your travel with your camera. Thnaks for the comment -- barbara
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments on my blog. I'm glad to discover your blog. I love the photos and your curiosity about old buildings and the stories they tell. I'm glad to find someone else who appreciates old things.
ReplyDeleteKathy -- Your blog is refreshing -- about nature, dirt, fire, meditation and assorted other things.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog often -- ever since I found it. Thanks for the nice comment -- barbara
Thanks for the introduction to Ted Kooser. I must seek out more of his work!
ReplyDeleteFor those of us who wonder about old, abandoned houses and wish they could tell us their stories, Ted Kooser shows that indeed they do, and how they do it. Very creative, poignant poem that goes beautifully with your photographs! Loved this post! (And I thank you for the introduction to Ted Kooser!)
ReplyDeleteTess -- Nice that you like Ted Kooser. His poems reflect small towns and rural cultures. Thanks -- barbara
ReplyDeleteLaloofah -- Happy to introduce Ted Kooser -- and thanks for the nice comment on the photos. Sad to see so many homes on our rural landscapes disappearing. -- barbara
ReplyDeletelove this barbara! very thought provoking...went to lexington today and there is an abandoned farmhouse and two barns perched on top of an empty field. from the interstate, i have no clue how to get there but always wanted to stroll around, peer in the windows and take lots and lots of photos! this post was perfect for me this evening! thank you!!!! jill
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ReplyDeleteJill -- So you were in my territory when you spotted the old abandoned house. Unfortunately there are too many gorgeous old homes with outbuildings that are just sitting on the landscape deteriorating. Be careful walking around old homesteads -- well holes are usually uncovered and not seen when there are weeds. I knew a woman that fell down one -- she lived but messed up her leg. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteno wonder we enjoy each other's posts! That is my #1 favorite Kooser poem.
ReplyDeleteGranny sue -- Yes, I do enjoy your posts. Ted Kooser is very much a favorite of mine too. thanks for stopping -- barbara
ReplyDeleteOld houses have such secrets, you can't help guessing what might have been. The poem is a beautiful match for your photos.
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