1512 Armory Avenue

1512 Armory Avenue, prettiest house in Chariton, Iowa Verdant green ferns and red geraniums in blue pots gracing the porch. Roof jumps would land her on dandelions, possibly violet rosette. Front door opened onto spectacularly polished walnut staircase Front room had been converted to her bedroom with picture window. Looked out onto Stella McDowell’s garden full of bluebells and daffodils. House whispers in the night, reassured her child self that all was well. She had not seen her house for almost twenty-eight years. Her husband asked, “Is this it?” She started to say no. But the address said it was; this ugly eyesore was nothing like she remembered. Porch had slid away, everything unkempt, grass needed mowed. Nothing fresh about this demon. It was ugly and hostile. Critters probably lived here now; the house had been empty for a long time. Nothing was fresh. It was depressing, damp, dour, sad. Smelled like mice. She was sorry she had come; let down, disappointed. These railings used to be ten foot tall, she said to her husband. In actuality, they were three foot off the ground, and they tipped east. She could barely wait to leave, hoping to regain her joyful childhood memories, First she must push this ugly 1512 Armory completely out of her mind. Written 7-16-2020 Contest: Decaying House Words in order: house, ferns, porch, roof, rosette, door, staircase, window, garden, whispers. Sponsor: Constance La France