Oh This Ladder! (Poetry)

If you read my post last week you know that I acquired a ladder that my dad used to use for his construction business—it’s not just any ordinary ladder—it’s rustic and wooden, and has a lot of wear and tear.

This was super exciting for me because my dad has been gone for nearly twenty years…meanwhile this ladder has just been hanging out in his retired garage…BUT I salvaged it!

It has this farmhouse appeal to it and the fact that it was one of my dad’s most useful tools makes it that much sweeter! It reminds me of him…so I’m slightly obsessive about it!!

I brought the ladder home, turned it into a blanket holder, and began thinking about how, to anyone else, it probably just looks like antique decor…but to me it means so much more!…Like no one else may ever understand the value this piece of “furniture” holds for me.

Some words ran through my mind because that’s how I operate and oddly enough I turned out with a poem…never did I think I’d write a poem about a ladder but nevertheless it happened, so I figured I’d put it on the blog, mainly because the little scratch paper I have it written on I’m afraid I’m gonna lose!

Thanks so much for reading!!

This Old Ladder

I know to some it may seem like
just an old, junky ladder—
but to me it really does matter.

No telling how many times you
climbed up and down it;
clinging to flaky gray paint
I can still see patches
of grim and grit—
signs of a hardworking man
to Heaven to soon you went
part of God’s plan—
one I may never understand.

This worn, splintery ladder
a piece of your livelihood,
to some it may seem like just a
few nailed together
slats of wood.

For myself it reminds me
of the work you use to do—
this rickety, wooden ladder
last used by you.

Tucked in storage all the while,
yet perfect for my love of
farmhouse style.

Taking it home with me,
something else to be.

Thanks for the gift Dad,
this aged, shabby ladder
you once had.

Now it’ll serve a new purpose,
though it’s you I’m still gonna miss.

I know to some it may seem like
just an old, junky ladder—
but to me it really does matter!

-Alicia M Witt 07/07/19

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Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

23 thoughts on “Oh This Ladder! (Poetry)”

  5. I don’t see an old junky ladder. I see love. Now you went and made me teary. Seriously. I’m tearing up here. Beautiful poem Alicia. ❤ Love you my friend.

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  8. You have been nominated for The Barnabas Award. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of an award for encouragement and Inspiration. Thanks so much for all of your encouraging words to me, through your comments as well as your blog. I don’t know how you keep up with all that you do, so if you don’t want to acknowledge this award, I’ll totally understand. I just wanted to give you that kudos on my blog. I’m looking forward to reading more of what your summer has held! Take care, Alicia. It’s been a treasure to cross paths with you, my friend. ❤

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    1. Ahh sweet, thank you ma’am! I always love and enjoy visiting with you and seriously wish I could more!!!!!! I will get on your blog and check out details for sure❤️ Thanks again sister!!!

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