claudia schoenfeld
memories
he bought me a door knocker
in portobello road years ago
my name is engraved
on the front of it
i left it at the house when i moved out
i drive past it almost every day
it is a heavy brass antique one
the kind of knocker that announces
with its stentorian bangs
you'd better open this door
after years
i summoned up the courage
knocked at the door
asked
she said
no
Ah.. yes a brass knocker can be such a personal thing.. and it came with expectations.. and I guess you met the stentorian on the opposite side instead.
ReplyDeleteI bought a door knocker once - it matched the old house we lived in - I haven't thought of it since then, I wonder if we took it, and it languishes in a box forgotten.
ReplyDeleteAh, the ending took me by surprise!
ReplyDeletei like the thoughts triggered by the sketch...a number of poets used this image....all beautiful responses....nicely done Cressida :)
ReplyDeleteOh, that ending was heartbreaking. But, I guess when we have to let go, we must let go of it all, including the gifts, the door knockers.
ReplyDeleteoh i like much how you build this around the brass knocker... the name engraved and the hopes and expectations that are engraved as well...
ReplyDeleteThe end caught me too. Surprised it was still up. Never left a name on a house. Especially my own. Nicely written.
ReplyDeleteThe ending was unexpected and why did she say No when your name is engraved in it ?
ReplyDeleteAh ha, who needs a bossy door knocker anyway! Love your poem : )
ReplyDeletememories are an interesting thing, especially the way they attach themselves to objects. sometimes you don't even realize the meaning things hold until they no longer grace you presence. a lovely write.
ReplyDelete..too bad..hope you can find another like it...nice place this sketch took you
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice thing to fix up as it saves the bother to knock hard which might irritate. There is a strange nostalgia about it too! Good lines Cressida!
ReplyDeleteHank
…interesting. Some things we (finally) approach too late.
ReplyDelete