This House

Johnny Jump Ups

Robin Robinson

We live in this house.
It’s simple and plain,
nestled up here on a hilltop in Maine.
Our dog finds a mouse
every couple of days
Our cats are too good for that, set in their ways.

No neighbors in sight
In these woods we’re well hid-
independent from power lines;
unleashed from the grid.
The luminous light
Mother Nature provides
powers our home and helps warm the insides.

Our woodstove, our sink,
counter, windows, and door
all secondhand purchases,
not from the store.
Well water we drink,
deliciously sweet-
ingeniously piped through the woodstove to heat.

But this house has its quirks
and it can frustrate.
The floor is uneven; the door isn’t straight.
Not everything works
as well as it should
and bitter cold winter means hauling in wood.

Our panels snow-covered,
I’ll have to go sweep
when the flurries desist- and I must feed the sheep.
Wool coats keep them warm
Yet they constantly bleat-
I love doing chores when I can’t feel my feet.

I awake with the dawn
every once in a while,
pink-orange sunrise induces a smile.
With a long, sleepy yawn
I forgive this place,
for though it’s not perfect, it has perfect grace.

Rebecca Iaciofano is an English major at the University of Maine, Augusta. She lives in Hallowell.

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Upcoming Events

11th Annual Hidden Treasures House & Garden Tour
07.19.2008 to 07.19.2008

Visit exceptional properties on this self-guided tour. Enjoy our traditional homemade cookies and lemonade will be served. Box lunches will be...

Antique Auto Days
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Over 250 restored and running antique autos. Demonstrations and awards. Sunday parade through Boothbay Harbor at 1pm.

Antique Auto Days
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Over 250 restored and running antique autos. Demonstrations and awards. Sunday parade through Boothbay Harbor at 1pm

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Six-week chamber music festival presenting more than 80 concerts of traditional and contemporary classical music by renowned professional musicians...

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This exhibit, curated by the museum’s co-chief scientists, Paula Work and David Work, shows the many facets of the museum’s science...

Cindy Bullens concert
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Grammy nominated Cindy Bullens performs as part of the 11th annual Music on the Hill concert series.

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Adventures at Huse summer schedule features a Downeast Family Picnic. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy family races and games, hat and pie-eating...

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July 4 - July 26. Florals in watercolor, oil and pastel by Jo Northrop Thomas. Opening reception from 5-8 pm on Friday, July 4 at Frost Farm...

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