A derelict house stands,
Bereft of purpose,
A cold gust blows,
As faded shutters clap
 
Plaster cracks,
And wood rots,
Pipes freeze,
Burst and rust

The wind persists,
Making the house moan,
As though mourning
The death of hope

The house shudders and falls,
Its poor bones giving in,
(Or giving up,)
And somewhere a bell solemnly knells