Des res

A fine house, red brick,
on three floors under a slate roof.
Blue front door, six windows,
all a bit stiff to open.
Wear and tear not surprising
as it’s over a hundred years old.

Kitchen on the ground floor
with old-fashioned range,
kettle and stew pot simmering.
Carrots, potatoes and a cabbage
on the table ready to be chopped
by Cook in white apron and cap.

Living room on the first floor,
fireplace always glowing red,
dining table laid for lunch.
Two comfy-looking easy chairs
but Mother and Father stand rigid,
their formal clothes threadbare.

Playroom on the top floor,
two beds, colourful eiderdowns.
Boy in sailor suit, his toy train
on its circle of track on the floor.
Girl in flouncy frock, tea party
for her dolls in full swing.

The house has had many owners,
none lived there but all loved
playing with the resident family.
The present owner closes the front
of the house on squeaky hinges
as her mother says it’s time for bed.