House of Chimes

by Sarina LaBold

Brick and mortar bare and even—

the mason gazes with pride

and claps together his cracked and powdered hands.

Soon painted white for the newborn babe

small yellow ducks and pink rabbits

a hole in the ceiling for the matching mobile.

Then its hue is powder blue

for daydreams into the clouds

and crocheted dresses on china dolls.

Hard work covered by photos

initials carved into the baseboard

nights reading romances and dreaming of princes.

Blue crumbles and yellow replaces

empty bed and dresser drawers.

Guests come and go.

Now like a rainbow

crumbled paint and mortar.

A single soot mouse lives in the corner.