Window

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Tim Downes

 

I divide realms

Two separate worlds

The vibrant green trees swaying in the breeze

Or the slightly outdated master bedroom

 

A portal made of glass

From the outside world 

To the inside

Or vice versa

Whichever way you prefer

 

My presence can change an environment

A subtle reminder to those around me

Preserving everyone’s circadian rhythm

 

I am for the most part unseen

Only looked through with blank stares

Only really noticed when dirty

 

Windex, my close friend, 

Rids me of grime and smudges

Clearing my vision 

Like a new prescription for glasses

 

Occasionally I will be struck with an object

I am usually up to the task

But there was that one time the neighbor’s baseball hit me

That broke my heart

 

I patiently spectate

As my surroundings evolve

New furniture inside

And new flowers planted outside

 

In the winter,

Warmth from the fireplace heats me up on one side, 

Contrasted by the whipping winds and frigid snowflakes

In the summer,

Cold air conditioning keeps me cool,

As the scorching sun beats down through me

 

The house was bought by a new family

As the bulldozer rolls up the driveway

I say goodbye to the friendly walls around me

And the ever-supporting window frame 

I feel a drop of rain run down my face

Or was that a tear?

 

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Tim Downes is in the School of Arts and Sciences and will graduate in spring 2028. He is currently undeclared.

Tim wrote this poem in a course taught by Richard Murray, who selected the piece for inclusion in WHR.