House Talk

Things flow in and out
of this house
through tight, dark places
rarely seen
sharp bends and
serpentine paths
the work of many hands
over the years
layers of labor
secrets behind walls
and under floors
always something more
things visitors don’t notice
water draining in a strange way
a creak in the floor
someone shutting a door
after many tries
and I’ll note it, to myself
consider the usual options
repair it
replace it
let it be.