If Walls Could Talk, They’d Tell Me How Much They Love You

by fourth year Aubrey Ford

if walls could talk, i wonder what they’d say about who lived here before

were they kind?

did they adorn your walls and carpet your floors?

was your porch brought good company and far too many way-too-deep chats?

i hope this house was loved before we arrived

i pray those past were fond of your quirks

i wonder if their washing machine broke, too

i wish that the creaky stairs didn’t wake them up in the middle of the night

i hope these walls were good to them

they have been far better to me than i could have imagined

the first night i slept here, i was so afraid of my future

what will become of me? will anyone meet me where i stand?

bed on the floor, a desk of leftover cardboard, and a shower curtain to my name

i thought everything would stay exactly the same

oh, if these walls could talk

each space has flourished

so have we

my room is mine now

my walls have seen my cheerful smiles, practiced speeches

imaginary concerts, my worst defeats

and yet, these walls still watch over me

your room has become yours

but your kind heart has never turned me away

i am welcome and safe in your presence

you protect me just as your walls do

the spaces we share are warm and colorful and inviting

just as you are to me

i wonder; how many mundane conversations

hugs right when i need them

shared meals

and understanding smiles

have built this place into our home?

what a blessing it is to share our lives

these walls have seen it

and so have i

the greatest gift this house gave me was the privilege of loving you

who knew that four years later, you would still be right by my side?

certainly not i

the walls of this house stood when i felt like everything was falling apart

i thought these walls would tear down around me

i thought i was lost, hopeless, abandoned, and alone

but you always remain when the ashes settle and these walls always withstand, too

if walls could talk, they’d tell me how much they love you

all my love to this home, all my love to you.