Back in the Old House

The old folks' house, the old family home,
Empty now - 
and so, so quiet!

Memories line the walls:
four weddings (including their own)
Two paintings, a portrait,
Grandchildren on the lower tables.

Little remains of the times, good or bad.
Nothing remains of the suffering: 
Kitchen cupboards no longer half-filled with medication,
the hospital bed is gone;
the rising assist strap to help you out of bed in the morning - also gone.

Grandpa's chair is now free for anyone.

The memories remain.

In the quiet, the clock ticks out the seconds remaining for those left behind,
Loud in the quiet.

This world is not our home - 
but, for a while,
This house was.