Only Footstones Remain Intact

" Can you feel the soul of an abandoned house; can you hear the whispering?" quote...by Constance La France As I approach the abandoned house of my youth rain is falling I came to remember its sights and sounds without the illusion of youth before it disappears in the void of years only the footstones seem intact leading to the crumbling porch of decaying wooden planks where my grandmother would sit in her rocking chair as I played on the steps of Pinewood the oak tree I climbed is covered in Spanish moss its limbs dying the swing set I used is laying in grasses of brambles and weeds having rusted away the front door languishes on a single hinge cocked to the side allowing dust and dirt to be blown inside I slowly step inside, my eyes scanning the shadowed light feces of critters lay scattered on the floor my mother would constantly sweep clean the scent of rotten wood and mold have replaced the smell of my dad's pipe my hands touch the walls as I walk from room to room each one filled with voices and memories rain is pouring through the roof onto the floor of my yesterdays without mercy there is nothing here in this empty barren space hollowed out from time leaving the ghosts of yesterday hidden in the dim-lit shadows of decay their remembered whispers follow me as I leave, I look back with a sadness that will linger in my mind 5/26/23 contest Writing Challenge "C" quotes sponsor Constance La France