Gosh. Were they en-route to the freedom at Niagara?
This hits one in the face with its powerful images of such times, and in-addition ones own knowledge is added, about those horrific times of humanities insanity.

You have such a deft hand for making poetry come to life with such unparalleled clarity.

I absolutely love the nostalgic feel of this fine poem Jon. There are houses never to be forgotten that inspire us each time we remember them. I really felt this poem deeply.

exceptionally communicated ... a historic glimpse brought to life by both personal perspective as well as emotional continuity ...

Written with all the grace, elegance and lightness of touch that such a tribute deserves, Jon, as well as with the piquancy of just the right telling detail to let the old legacy be seen through the current veneer, just as with an artist's palimpsest that has wrought beauty over a preceeding work. What a privilege to spend such a day, soaking up the richness of the heritage and the special place of blessing and shelter - of faith, trust and grace, in fact - that it must once have been. This poem tells a much bigger story and yet also modestly draws a veil as if in reverence. Majestic work. xx

THE MISSION OF THIS FARM WILL FOREVER RING OUT AND THOSE OPEN TO ITS TIMELESS MELODIES WILL CONTINUOUSLY BE FILLED WITH ITS PERMEATING ESSENCE OF FREEDOM AND HOPE. '...IT WEARS THE MYSTERY OF HISTORY LIKE FINE TATTED LACE...' THERE IS NO WAY YOU COULD HAVE WALKED AWAY FROM COURSEY HOUSE WITHOUT A MESSAGE. THANKS FOR SHARING, JON. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

what a vision, and feeling Jon
I see the whole underground
railroad in new light through
your verses...and caused me to
employ upon the horrid fear
hiding and relocating to be free
and be safe, thank God for all
the angels throughout history
the sacred hearts blessed with
a compassionate heart...

Opening Family Vaults
Love & Timelessness
Vickie

WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

respect for and appreciation of history in general
and of this historically significant place in particular
come through subtly but sure in this work. The writing is
elegant and refined and both intellectually and emotionally
sensitive to what this house as enduring symbol stands for - bastion against oppression and injustice, beacon of hope and liberation;
given the subject matter, it would've been easy to fall into melodrama and gush but you, Jon, My Friend, avoid both;
this is a poem of consideration and great maturity
Kudos!

john

Jon, My friend, what a wonderful recounting of a place where history
comes alive through your words and memories. Well done!

Cheers,
Dan

This reads like a fine aged sherry and weaves images of a unique past like a hand loom. Patrick

Jon,
Like fine tatted lace the intertwined houses and railways
safely to freedom they came. Wonderfully penned in destiny's grace.

Lady Mary Ann

It is very humbling to walk where so much history has taken place I know over the years whenever I was visiting historic places, I could almost hear the whispers...
Love and peace dear friend,
Carole~

compassion lived here

There it is. Would that came to be and this world would know peace... ...and hopefully, ...healing.

Thank you for sharing the inspirational offering, Jon. Love and peace to you, friend,

Regis

Your pen shines brightly
*Jon Michael*
for such a dark time past

Lady Vivian

This place will endure in destiny's graces as long as there are elequent observers who understand the real human meanings of historical places.
I once stood at the entrance to Gateway Park in St. Louis. As I pondered there I thought of all the wagon trains, carrying not only all their worldly possesions, but also the hopes and dreams of the families they guided. How many, I wondered made it to the west coast.
If the indians, the wild animals, raging rivers, and mountain winters didn't get them, those pioneers deserved everything they had hoped for, new lives in the new land

Walt

Your words are both as emotional and as archaic as the atmosphere of the old house you visited. The family secret is no longer hidden but shared with all those who venture in and remember that the land of the free was not always so. I sense that some of that family tradition is in your character still. The sensitive, caring side of your being that moved your ancestors to such a courageous act. You can be proud.



Ron

Such a brilliant poem, so deeply felt and offering such insight into the human condition. The sonic elements are also delicious.
My great aunt and uncle were the Rankins, and the Rankin home was I believe the first stop in Ohio and saved many. It was always a comfort to me to hear my father talk of the many secret places which had saved many within that house where he played often as a boy.
Love and Blessings,
Christine

Such eloquence Jon when you write! It takes me back to a place in Zanesville Ohio where I use to live and the transporting of slaves were hidden in tunnels to rescue them to another location. I am sure the families of these rescued, remember the treasure of people that saved them from a life of misery! Oh what a tapestry we weave as our lives evolve and make new meaning for the future yet to come!

Truly enjoyed this!
TW

Todays slaves should pay heed, we might need many more such historic places soon indeed, bless ya.

like it a lot.