stains

Photo by aestelle on Unsplash

salt-washed walls
the wind and sea stain this place
high upon the hill
only ghosts here to remember
now
the roof has thirteen leaks
rain dripping down to warp
the floorboards
dust coats the glass
pressed against missing faces
evidence for anyone if they wanted
to look
a chipped mug rests in the sink
dregs of tea long evaporated
but staining a ring at the bottom
unwashed
vaporous hands reach to lift, to hold
unable to touch

This is an attempt at being delicate. I am often garish and dramatic in my writing, but sometimes we require softness.