Dear Lady of the House

Thanks for putting my rescue
on your Christmas Wish list

as your husband’s family heritage piece
from old Uncle Bill’s farmhouse, up the Ottawa Valley
I'm glad to see you appreciate
the old charm in me, eh?
That encourages me, to get spruced up
(though as you know, I’m built from pine)
pining’s what I do a lot of, now
I try to be tough-skinned
but am soft-wooded

a stand like me, that honoured
the upper storey hall
near a bright window overlooking the highway,
feels deserted
surrounded by misfits
like bikes and shovels
in this dark tomb of a garage
and only visited now and again, when you
come to unstick my drawer open
test my rusty handles, run soft hands over
my chest, and measure me

I heard tell my identical twin's
over at your brother-in-law’s
(at least we didn’t get auctioned off to
strangers, like the rest of our estate friends
and from skilled nurture, he cleaned up fine
I’d be ashamed for him to see me now
but I miss the stories and jokes
from when he stood by me

those early l900's nights, we shared
a lot of sights
and discreetly whispered family secrets
we served those folks since their youth,
through many cold and struggling years
held their thunder,(pardon me, ma'am)chamber pots
shaving items and towels, before they had
indoor plumbing

three feet tall by three feet wide
I’ll fit in your house just fine
my wood is musty and drab
but with a little sandpaper, soothing hands and oils
maybe even that fancy stenciling some do
and a Delft pottery jug and bowl, set up on me
I promise to do you real proud

you could line my drawers with scented sachets
put lacy doilies on my top. I’ll flaunt your items
of vanity and shine
as an authentic old piece of decor

if you oil me, I promise not to creak
too much at night
when my cupboard's opened

so thanks again, for giving
your old man yet another push
to salvage me. I blushed
when I heard you say I’m in your dreams
let’s hope Santa will be good to both of us

Yours, Willy

10/12/2004

Posted on 10/12/2004
Copyright © 2024 Maureen Glaude