An empty quest

[graydon archer]

Four bare walls, ceiling crumble

floorboards creak, and timbers grumble

gave fair warning for those who venture there.



In a room strewn and scattered

lie a doll, torn and tattered

it's eyes set in a fixed and glassy stare.



In a corner stacked and piled

clothing once owned by a child

worn now by the spiders in recluse



Ragged curtains, broken panes

weathered paint, and mildew stains

reasons for it's fall now lie obtuse.



Yet once there was in this dwelling

images far more compelling

images of carefree, pleasant days



Back before it fell from grace

love and laughter filled the space

instead the sullen gloom it now conveys



Back when it was full of life

with loving husband, child and wife.

back before abduction marred their soul



Woman now mad with anguish

husbands heath falls in languish

nothing of this earth could bring console.



An empty quest no body found

cause to leave unholy ground

dreams and desires vanished in the air.



Four bare walls, ceiling crumble

floorboards creak, and timbers grumble

gave fair warning for those who venture there.

[RhymeLovingWriter]

This reminds me of the melancholy unearthed when trying to 'go back home' after decades away. Many things change over time - and abandoned homes are often the most ghostly scenes to reconcile. Beautifully written Graydon!

[graydon archer]

Thank you so much RLW!

[grant hayes]

Totally get the feeling of this, Graydon. Hauntingly good!

[AlexandratheLate]

In agreement with RLW and Grant --hauntingly beautiful -- in my mind it sounded like they were survivors of the Holocaust or an older couple now in senior citizen housing. Sad.

[graydon archer]

Thanks Alexandra! As I mentioned to grant, I saw a photo of an abandoned house and was prompted to write this.....

[DWAYNE]

Moving. Very well written.

[graydon archer]

Thank you Dwayne, thanks for the read and commenting.

[Bobby Del Boy]

Graydon, is this inspired by a true story? I can see the room and the anguish you've portrayed. Great job my friend!

[graydon archer]

No Bobby, I was looking at photos of abandoned buildings and it inspired this write..... thank you though for your kindness

[Bobby Del Boy]

Holy Cow! Damn powerful muse and write Graydon.

[MHenry]

Hi, graydon, This is beautifully crafted. I felt like it was a haunted house. Anyone who lives there is going to end up like all the families before them - dying some horrible, mysterious, supernatural death!

[graydon archer]

Thanks MH! There are several of these abandoned houses here in Ohio, and one has to wonder looking at some of them, what could have happened to make whoever, just leave the dwellings to nature....

[grant hayes]

I have some idea what could have happened; someone very close to me is currently in a situation that may end in just such abandonment.

[graydon archer]

I'm sorry to hear this grant. It is never easy to be an observer of such things. I do hope all works out for those in question.

[grant hayes]

Thank you, Graydon. I hope that my dear one and I can both escape the teetering wreck intact.

[imrogue]

Powerful write Archer! Gripping with sorrow...It is powerful
(--> husband's heath vs health)

[graydon archer]

My humble thanks imrogue. I'm glad you stopped in

[Muttado1sb]

Powerful, grant. Brought to my mind the pictures of the houses in the areas around Chernobyl and Fukushima.

[acdominguezcreates]

Beautiful writing! Wonderful imagery! It took me into another world!