Sticky walls

most walls are sticky;
they hold onto voices
of those who were here.

tonight the sounds are the laughter and the energy
of 15 young adults (and one child) who offered their help.
enthusiastic... energetic... eager...

it is called 'putting the yard to sleep' day.
puerto rican students setting aside a day to give
and the two of us grateful to receive.

the fence was painted, weeds were cut,
bushes were shaped, the plants brought in for winter.
that and more made this a cozy autumn place.

and then came the food.  we fed them well and they did eat,
sitting around the picnic tables in the backyard,
multiple conversation in spanish and english.

then the night air brought us into the house. 
and the laughter and stomping feet,
the smiles, and the playfulness filled the rooms.

and now, resting from this wonderful day,
i still here their voices and their laughter
fill our home. and the walls will remember.