They Came Knocking at the Door and Told Him:

They came to the gate and said to her,
Were sorry, madam, but you have to leave your house.
Where am I meant to go at my age, love? Goodness, what am I to do now
Thats all they said.
Cold.
Not even a glance in her direction.
That morning, old Mrs. Edith was sweeping the drive. She was well over seventy, with a whole lifetime nestled within those cottage walls. Her children had been born there. Her husband had passed away there. Every joy and every sorrow shed ever known, shed lived amid those four walls.
The gate swung open suddenly.
Two men, suited and carrying folders, strode right in without a word.
Are you Edith Smith?
I am she replied, tightening her scarf.
Were here to inform you that theres going to be a new by-pass through this land.
Your house stands in the way.
Edith blinked rapidly.
You mean I have to leave?
Youll be compensated, madam. Youll receive money.
But where do I go, dear at my age?
This is my home
One of them sighed, annoyed.
Madam, its no longer home.
Its just a plot of land.
Feelings dont count in these matters.
Those words struck her harder than the news itself.
Am I not even allowed to simply ask she said softly.
Youre allowed to sign when youre told, snapped the other, voice rising.
No need to make a scene.
Edith sat down on the bench by the wall.
She felt something crack inside her chest.
After they left, her house seemed smaller somehow,
More fragile.
She wandered from room to room, touching the wallpaper, the old photos, the battered kitchen table.
Where shall I go now, Lord?
The news swept through the village like wildfire.
And something sparked.
Neighbours started coming.
At first, just a pair or two. Then half a dozen.
And then everyone.
How can they throw out old Edith?
That womans never asked for help from anyone!
Move the road!
When the officials returned, they found Edith was no longer alone.
Her gate was crowded with people.
Young and old. Children too.
No ones leaving here!
A persons life cant be tarred over for a road!
One of the council men raised his voice:
The law is the law!
Law without humanity is no justice! someone shouted back.
Edith stood in the doorway. Small, but upright.
I dont want money she said, barely above a whisper.
All I ask is to be allowed to die where Ive lived.
There was silence.
Days went by.
Petitions. The local paper. People started to notice.
One morning, someone different arrived.
No arrogance. No chilling tone.
The plans are being changed.
The by-pass is being diverted.
Nothing will be built here.
Edith didnt understand straightaway.
So I can stay?
Yes, you can stay.
The garden erupted with cheers.
Some folks wept.
Others hugged one another.
Edith leaned against her gate and whispered,
Thank you, Lord for not leaving me on my own.
That evening, the village wasnt just a place.
It was family.
Because sometimes, the biggest road must come to a halt in front of a little cottage
when people remember the meaning of HOME.
Would you have stood at Ediths gate?
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