Sonatas XII

Pieces of the Present Abide - The Life of the Place (Homes)

Words by Khaetidawne and Brendan Quirk

I just love seeing the houses in which people live. To me, the essence of The Place, is where The People live. What more could represent this best other than the homes in which they live. At the risk of sounding like an architectural guide book, I enjoy pointing out all of those aspects of people's homes that appeal to me, and seem to be representative of their place in the Place.

 

Sonatas XII-24 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-25 (Homes)
Hidden beauty in a small town, nestled in the trees all around Quiet shade beneath the eaves; sunshine glows upon the leaves.	Sunlight makes stained windows glow, soon children will play in the snow It’s only just a dusting now, soon comes snowmen and the plow.
Sonatas XII-26 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-27 (Homes)
A house, on a Victorian city street, On the balcony, gingerbread-corbels beneath your feet. Whimsical siding that looks like lace - Clothing the house in Queen Anne’s grace.	Sprawling farmhouse on a country road; Stone work beneath holds the heavy load. Enormous “Christmas” tree stands aloof; Imagine patters of rain on the metal roof.
Sonatas XII-28 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-29 (Homes)
Small foursquare in the country, clean and sweet Under immaculate siding what hidden details would we meet?	On a main street there is an old brick house, a barn star on the side; Porch and railings reminiscent of boardwalks met on a Western ride.
Sonatas XII-30 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-31 (Homes)
On a hot summer day, a darkened porch, cool and sweet A place to rest, sipping iced tea, while watching the street.	An interesting porch swing, nursery windows upstairs Mom and Dad rock their babies; the flag protects them with care. The cool stones to support them, the babes cuddle down Secure in their fortress, in this old country town.
Sonatas XII-32 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-33 (Homes)
They closed up my wide porch and put junk inside Took down my nice staircase and let the paint fester outside. Someone come, scrape my clapboards - Oh paint me again! Bring in all the supplies - let loose the workmen.	I’m modern amongst the Victorian beauties Still, they cut siding like logs and did their old-fashioned duty.
Sonatas XII-34 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-35 (Homes)
Built like a farmhouse; painted white and bright The garden is lovely, and two porches delight.	I’m not modest, see scallops on front, the elaborate door Cornices adorn my windows, and there’s more - They put up fancy lights; kept twelve by twelve window panes They decorated the garden with past things reclaimed.
Sonatas XII-36 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-37 (Homes)
Once I was a business, commercial, but lovely in my time With pediment and dentitions, I looked so fine. A huge window was painted to show my name Now I am two apartments, but my fancy stonework is the same.	Many call me their favorite Victorian house - By the lazy Rock River and a busy turnabout. My balconies glisten with leaded glass panes I have arches and columns where my ladies reigned.
Sonatas XII-38 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-39 (Homes)
On hot summer nights, the wrap-around porch let my folks gather or sleep From my fine turret my people could watch over the street.	In this house live patriots, proud Americans, their feelings on view With flags and liberty’s sentiments on display too. I wish these thoughts could be shown in any town today Without people thinking, “they should tear that away.”
Sonatas XII-40 (Homes)	Sonatas XII-41 (Homes)
Italianate mansion, with corbels of gingerbread Many-paneled windows with curved arches overhead; The square columned porch looks out over the street Here the white wicker furniture sits, waiting to greet.	A Victorian house with porch wrapping around And so many windows to let breezes flow round; Stone pillars in front and a plant by the stair A place for a family to live in and share.
Sonatas XII-42 (Homes)
A house with a gambrel roof like a barn It’s not very large, but it’s rather old; Like a grandparent’s house decorated with charm So the children will return to the fold.