What were they thinking?we ask the ghosts
previous owners
handyman, repair man
helpful neighbors with tools
question and ponder
surprise and wonder
mysteries of forgotten strategies
longed for yet stillborn
renovations and repairs
Love, will you?
Honey do
this will do
this will do, for now
how is this house still standing?
when others have crumbled
in the face of the storm
still standing when others
abandoned, uncaring
thorned vines curling
through holes in the walls
crossing the threshold
wide smile and a kiss
remember how empty
how dusty and open
to possibilities
waiting, just waiting
for twigs and ribbons
to make the nest our own
care and tending
painting and sanding
windows and plumbing
dry roof above
wallpaper and carpets
fire in the wood stove
bread in the oven
as we watch the snow
one small bed, then two
one room pink
one blue
pictures to posters
growth marks on the wall
sleepovers and parties
and how many birthdays
Christmas and Easter
quiet evenings alone
when we grow old
together
God willing
and others have crumbled
in the face of the storm
newlyweds will question
our ghosts
will make plans and dream
of repairs and renovations
Love, will you
Honey do
this will do
for now
