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Learning from Old Houses
- Wayne State University Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
16 Learning from Old Houses “Thehousetalks,asoldhousesdo.” —GladysTaber,StillmeadowSampler Ourhousetellsusnottoworry abouttheweedsintheyard.Itsays, “Rain,driveway,cornercupboard,”says, “backdoor,hingeabouttogiveintorust.” Andwelisten,againstacrackedwindow,along thepaint-chippedbanisterleadingtothebasement, backamongthecannedtomatoes,inthecorner withtheweek’slaundry.Wewalkthrough,nudging abookbackintoplace,straighteningafamilyphoto. Dustnowstaysputalongtheedgesofthestairs, shelves,dinnerplates,inanycornerofanywall, pictureframe,mirror,ineverycrack ofeachceramicelephant,angel,flowerpot.We keepavaseoffreshflowersonthekitchentable, changethewateronce,thenpickafistfulofnew bloomsorinthewinterbringsomehomewith thecereal,coffee,prescriptions.Thehouse tellsustogotobedearly,remindsus ourchildrenaregoneandweneedtokeep thethermostatat70.Itadvisesusaboutthemail, thestormcominginacoupleofminutes, andthattheneighborsarechangingtheircurtains, puttinguptheirscreens,mowingtheirlawns, leaving.Itquietlyletsusknowaboutthedraft underthebackdoor,themildewontheporch, thepaintpeelingintheentryway.Wehave 17 nothingtosay.Westay.Wegetup beforethesuncomesinthewindows, andwelistenforourownslowquietfindingitsplace. ...