Open Letter to Our Steep Roof
Posted on 04. Sep, 2008 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in House, Projects
Dear Steep Asphalt Shingle Roof,
For fifty years, you’ve been ignored; you grew weathered and ugly.
For fifty years, you’ve been leaking your teary sadness into the attic.
But, in 2008, we came into your life. We heard your silent cries and vowed to do something about your misery.
So we stripped you bare. Exposed you, naked, to the elements.
We wanted you to be the best that you could be, so we cut out your worst parts. But we hurt you in the process.
You were angry. Enraged, you called forth the weather gods and brought the worst August rain-fall this province has ever seen–over triple the average.
Prince Edward Island set a record for rainfall for August this year. This August 240.2 millimetres of rain fell, easily beating the previous record of 227.9 set in 1979. Normal rainfall amounts for August on P.E.I. are just about 80 mm. (CBC)
Your rage included freak thunder and lightning storms that drenched our hallway floor in seven minutes–the time it took us to put our hammers down and throw tarps on top of you.
In spite of the fight you gave us, we still loved you.
We cut you new clothes.
We sewed your seams as snug as possible; we bound you together with more tar than you dared dream of.
But, still, you resisted us.
You encouraged in us our fear of heights. You saved the worst for last–revealing rotten wood and mysterious secrets at your very peak. You made it difficult for us to help.
But slowly, you began to see.
You warmed to a woman’s frightened but hopeful touch.
You felt how smooth you could be.
And now the last nail has been hammered.
Are you okay?
We think you look beautiful, and we hope you’ve finally found happiness.
Yours Sincerely,
Your Humble and Exhausted Servants
Steven Fisher
Sep 4th, 2008
Congratulations! I hope you two and your roof have many wonderful years together.
Naomi
Sep 4th, 2008
That is a beautiful poem! You must be so happy to have that huge chore complete. Congratulations!!!
Vicki
Sep 4th, 2008
OMG This is so beautiful! I feel so happy, lets celebrate! Lobster anyone? Congratulations Cam & Laura-Jane, I am so relieved you are off that roof! As I often say I can’t wait to be in PEI!!
Vicki
Sep 4th, 2008
Okay, your Mom must have read my mind. She telephoned me & guess what! We are having a celebration Sund., 4PM to honour the Roof!
Why S?
Sep 4th, 2008
Wow! are you brave or what? Enjoy your roof and your celebration. You deserve it.
Andrea >> Become a consultant
Sep 5th, 2008
I love this blog.
Marjorie
Sep 5th, 2008
This is a heart-warming poem and great photo shoot. Can I ask a mundane question? How much did the roof repair materials cost? That you probably did this labour of love fairly cheaply makes the endeavour all the more incredible!!! Please further amaze us with the facts of your (I assume rather small) financial outlay, to balance the amazingly rich artistic outlay. love, mom
J. T. Glover
Sep 5th, 2008
Now that’s a love song. For so many people these, sorts of things are mere thankless tasks, but you’ve turned it into something that will, I hope, be a fine memory in times to come.
Auntie Robyn (Cam)
Sep 6th, 2008
Hello
I am just back from the wedding in England . Wow ! that was great about your Roof !
you guys have done so much .
What will you do when you have done to whole house ?
Laura – Jane that is a story .
Hope all is well with you both .
Take care
Laurie
Sep 7th, 2008
“Ode to an Old Roof”! What an amazing piece of work…both the roof and the poem-congratulations!
Laurie R.
Natalie
Sep 25th, 2008
I’m just amazed at the work you two do on your house!! We try but are nowhere near as handy. We just paid someone to paint our 70-year-old tin roof!
Sal
Oct 11th, 2009
This was so beautiful – you should also have a book on poems.