Noises

Noises

Creaking floorboards, a thick
stew simmering, a lullaby-

These sounds come to me,
unsummoned, like a stranger
saying hello as
we pass on the streets,
and I flash my unsure smile,
eyes briefly meeting, then
returning somewhere downward.

Chatter behind the door, a chirp,
the refrigerator hum-

These noises must have their
hobbies, their political leanings,
their likes and their dislikes.

I bet the popping of popcorn
likes supermodels on catwalks,
and dislikes beehives.

The pitter-patter of raindrops probably
likes evergreens and alligators,
and dislikes Styrofoam.

Maybe the clump clump clump
of footsteps on concrete
likes grandmother and grandfather
sitting on the porch,
but dislikes filing cabinets.