Old Floors

Don't be distressed
when our floor shows its stripes.
Life's history lies frozen
in scuffs and dents and dings.
An angry stomp of a high-heeled shoe,
soft imprints left behind
by someone's comfy couch...

Now it's our turn to add 
lingering hints to wood
living, breathing warm
beneath our feet.

How deepening of life's mystery
to walk across a room,
note the rises, falls,
hear a creak speak 
from the boards
about those who lived 
before us,
and what it means for us
living now.

Scott Speck
06/05/2003