I’ve Heard...

I was built into this house in 1993, and for some reason I was built with ears. No eyes to see, no mouth to speak, no nose to smell, and no hands to touch. I've head a lot of things in my 20 plus years. Not much else to do but listen. I've heard newlyweds bicker as they adjust to married life. I've heard the cries of an infant, that child's first steps, and the small squeaks of the floorboards as he tried to sneak out of the house when he was less of a child.

I've heard good news and laughter. I've heard bad news and crying. I've heard one sided phone calls with a doctor when the diagnosis was grim. I've heard joy and disbelief when new results showed improvement. I've heard footsteps and voices of those offering their condolences. I've heard boxes being filled and movers carrying out the contents.

I heard nothing for a while. Just silence and occasional ambient noise out beyond my frame. I thought I was destined to sit and wait for nothing, for no one. Until I heard the sounds of a steady stream of people walking in circles within the home. Checking out every nook and cranny. I heard discussions of interest and numbers. A few weeks later I heard other movers bring in new boxes. Along with the boxes came a new family. A family with kids and a dog and a cat. Once again the home is filled and I get to do what I do best: listen.