Old House: a Shakespearian Sonnet

By Penny Gurner

Old house, you fine end of the cul-de-sac

Views green tops, shapely rooves, and flight, an edge 

Valley sends back hidden sounds to unpack

But there’s not much besides, and I over-pledge

The lady seems nice, I don’t meet her friend

Mistake made, it’s too late, terror instead

Eyes held alright, it’s his footsteps that send

Threat, with the shakes, my hands holding my head

She left her artwork in the morning light

News pieces grafted to a mystery stone

Sound in my head as I hear the whales’ plight

Shocked I detach, move away from that moan

A fresh start I’d planned with others to meet

I asked, you gave, you fine end of the street

By Penny Gurner