Apartment 2b

Memories echo off of empty walls;
Pencil marks in the door jamb record heights at different ages;
Squares of whiter paint give proof family photos once hung there.

The oven has been scrubbed clean of past Thanksgiving turkey messes;
Toothpaste splatter has been wiped from the bathroom sink;
For want of a returned security deposit, all evidence of life within has been cleansed away.

Only four replicated keys lay on the kitchen counter.

The bare and empty rooms weep for the family who loved her for a small portion of their 
lives…
And yet, are gloriously hopeful of the new tenants just days away from rejuvenation in a 
new light.

Full apartments on either side and across her well lit hallway,
Are homes to friends of those who left and strangers to those on their way.

The sounds outside of her open windows somehow enter empty rooms so sad;
Those same sounds are received so joyously when furniture and souls abound.

Do not mourn too long, my empty temptress; laughter and love will soon fill your rooms 
once again.
New secrets and new revelations will accompany new pencil marks on freshly painted door 
frames.

Apartment 2B will be someone’s home once again.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Devonshire Avatar
December 3, 2010 at 7:50 AM
Very touching, Joe. Some new paint can hide the pencil marks, but some believe the spirit of memories stays within homes. The cycle of life and the memories this apartment carries within is tenderly conveyed in your poem, Joe. Excellent entry for the contest and I wish you success! Love, Carolyn
Onclaud Avatar
December 2, 2010 at 3:37 AM
amazing concept and imagery on make-overs, joe.. good luck in the contest.. and congrats to the ones that won recently.. warmest, nette
Roberts Avatar
December 2, 2010 at 12:04 AM
absolutely love it
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