creaking across the hallways aching
spine past fading family photos
into her room

the charcoal colored nightstand
on which lay a worn handkerchief and
his wedding ring
as he reads articles about oil
and the depression illuminated by lamplight

the folding newspaper makes way
for a wedding ring glimmer
to meet her eye
and memories of family dinners and
half-remembered lullabies
carry her to bed

the floor stops aching as she lays down,
her memories fester and she begins to weep
silently, not letting any tears
grow old enough to leave her

the sound of turning newspaper pages fills the room

outside, a family of puddles gasp for air
as the rain smothers them.