Legacy
by Jeremiah Holt

the oldest house in my town,
stands

here

paint peeling from her curled back
she is rooted to the ground
incoherent
an Elephant in Africa’s closemouthed summer

groaning under her own weight and the pressures of age

empty.

but she stands
and tries to look distinguished

The tacks have long since rusted
Tetanus mosquitoes, bear the badge

                                                    “For Sale”

It’s been like this 16 years.
I’ve counted them.

 my dog and I walk by here everyday
we wonder if someone
  will buy the old place
Pull out the long nails

that hold it all together

and start over.

Jeremiah Holt studies international relations and U.S. law. Specifically, he has focused on the way power is maintained and consolidated then is used to shape groups and individuals. Jeremiah lives in Bellingham WA with his fiancé, dog, two cats and hedgehog.