Laughter

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