The old linoleum spoke,
kept track, took note,
of scuffs and cracks,
marked anecdote, recalled
a lifetime worn by others;
where, thoughts of feet
made floorboards creak,
caused stabs near grab
of knob and turn meant
throbs when dotard trod
with memory-mud and
gore; still, shine imbued
in servitude, light infused
this floor, where pets were
friends, pledged care―no end,
and softness sat times four, sat
just beyond the door.
—
Jeannie E. Roberts is the author of two books, including the newly released Nature of it All, a collection of poems (Finishing Line Press). For more, visit http://www.jrcreative.biz.