The Cottage Photograph.

They have all gone.
That life which lived within,
has long departed from
this dying shell.

The sound of mortal voices…
has moved on.

Slate by grey slate
now slithers to the loam..
Each scintilla of atom
departs this fallen home,
to join the greater Universe.

The driven wind tears
at its creaking heart
with haunting resonance.
Rain weakens its resolve…

The shell disintegrates …
Dark puddles gather
on the mouldering loam..

But there between the rotting beams
and gaping holes…
New life appears
where eager Salix * grow.

Kristine Byrne. Written quickly in response to
Liam Kelly’s photo. (Achill Island) . 5th Nov. 2020

* Pronounced ‘Sallys’…