When I was small, the house was warm
Full of light spaces
and your laugh echoed
off of the porcelain lamp with a yellow
shade of cozy
The cool white walls held dear photos
while the shaggy sofa held us close
a loud raucous space gave way to dust, cobwebs, and dark
In time the warm light dimmed, and I learned to cackle loudly
To roar
In the dark you cannot see
and I wanted to hear your laugh again