DERELICT SUNDAY

This abandoned house has stood empty for years - it was obviously a shop at one time with living accommodation above - and Mr. HCB thinks it may even have been the newsagents where he worked as a teenager.  I wonder if houses and buildings  have feelings - if they do, it must feel bereft to have been left like this, with rusty shutters, rotting windowsills and doors, peeling paint outside and I have no doubt it looks just as bad on the inside.  

I wonder how long it has been since people chatted in the shop, laughed as they met together round the table to share a meal - in fact, how long has it been since a meal was cooked in this crumbling house.  Of course, there is the possibility that squatters have used it but that's not quite the same as a family "loving" the whole house.

I wonder if a couple bought the house, as a thriving business - got married, had children, enjoyed everything it provided and then fell on hard times - the building being repossessed and then falling into disrepair.   As I was taking the photograph someone walked by and made the comment that it was a disgrace and should be reported.  I have no doubt it has been, many times, but it still stands there - derelict.

I daresay every surface is covered with the dust and grime of years and the smell of rotting floorboards and windowsills, crumbling ceilings and grotty paintwork must pervade the the whole building.

So very sad when there are people sleeping in our town in cardboard boxes.

Rejected
Abandoned
Unwanted
Unloved -
Just like a cigarette butt or tin can
thrown down in the gutter.
It's just a building - 
But there are also people
around us just like this.
Who can change their situation?
Are you willing to help?
Or will you walk by
On the other side?

P.S.  On a much more pleasant note, I spoke at Church this morning about my intention of doing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness over the next few weeks - or R.A.C.K.ing as it is known - we went out for lunch and when Mr. HCB went to pay the bill we were told it had been “taken care of” - what a wonderful start to my R.A.C.K.ing week - all the more reason for us to pay it forward!