This house will not stand forever.
The windows are sturdy
but shuttered
like individual solutions
that match one at a time.
The roof leaks.
On persistent rainy days
I look up to see
the gables weeping
quietly.
The stairs are sound
beneath my children
but from time to time
a splinter leaves
imbedded in a childish foot.
I dream of stairways
sagging
into silence
well used and satisfied
with no more need
for changelessness
Once
freed from constancy
this house
will not stand
forever.