Loose roof shingles —
a couple on the ground
after last night’s wind
when the trees creaked
and rubbed themselves
like old men. Can’t put off
the mending. I loved once,
before I knew how love
works, how roofs leak
when it rains.
– Sarah Russell
First published in Poetry Breakfast
Photo source
For Poets United Poetry Pantry
Sarah Russell Poetry 
A lovely poem, Sarah. Congratulations on finding a home for it. Best wishes for the new year 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Ryan. Happy New Year to you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So important that maintenance…and it seems we are both thinking about the tending of our lives.
LikeLike
Yes, Donna, I think we are. Relationships and life definitely need tending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is wonderful Sarah…admire the way you pack so much into a few words… A very happy new year to you.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Rajani. I just read your poem to my husband. Love it and he did too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Smiling so much, have no words! Many thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, the trees like old men, love like how a roof leaks when it rains….you have nailed it. Wonderfully done!
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Sherry!
LikeLike
Just lovely💕
LikeLike
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
“… Can’t put off / the mending.” So true, this is. And so much power is needed to do that. Wishing you a wonderful New Year Sarah….
LikeLike
Thank you, Sumana. Happy New Year to you too.
LikeLike
Sweet analogy, Sarah. Best wishes for 2018.
LikeLike
Thanks, Robert. I wish the same for you.
LikeLike
like a relationship too, isn’t it? some things can’t be put off. lovely write, and i liked how so much can be said in so few words.
Have a Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Yes, indeed. Gotta keep up the maintenance! Thanks, and Happy New Year to you too!
LikeLike
So beautifully sad. I really enjoyed reading this Sarah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robin.
LikeLike
There is much mending to do in our lives Sarah, well captured in your words.
I hope 2018 requires little maintenance for you!
Anna :o]
LikeLike
I don’t think you’re ever done with the maintenance of life and love, Anna, but here’s hoping there’s no extra to be done. Happy New Year.
LikeLike
Love the analogy here, Sarah! 🙂 Happy New Year!❤️
LikeLike
Thanks, Sanaa. Happy New Year to you too.
LikeLike
Oh yes.. the mending… so much better to do before the storm i think
LikeLike
Always better. Happy New Year, Bjorn.
LikeLike
beautiful poem, sarah, and happy new year to you and your poems )
LikeLike
Thanks a lot, Beth. Happy 2018 to you too!
LikeLike
Nice on any level!
LikeLike
Thank you, Rosemary.
LikeLike
I love the lines, “when the trees creaked
and rubbed themselves
like old men.”
I still don’t know how love works!
LikeLike
Thanks, Beckie. I’m not sure how it works either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the comparison–the roof and the man!
LikeLike
Thanks a lot, Susan!
LikeLike