Ghosts in the Sheetrock

Using only a carpenter’s graphite pencil line and a finger to smudge it, one evening I discovered a little fox face peering out of a mudded, sanded seam in the sheetrock. He said “Hi.”

After him ran a cocky hound with a stubby ear,

Followed by a bear who ate all the brownies.

Two birds admired each other,

and a stork drank lemonade, while a mouse preferred harder stuff.

For a brief period my new home progress included vast areas of gray sheetrock and joint compound. Every evening, after the workmen left, I discovered new characters on the walls. Some were rather grumpy.

This fellow’s hat made him feel important,

and this fellow didn’t like his neighbor.

This gent was more genial–

He tried to soothe the worrywart.

But someone was always suspicious or

feeling put out,

Until Molly appeared and told everyone to

“put your lips together and B L O W !”

Finally I discovered myself, holding my new home in my two, cupped hands.

I can’t wait to go home and enjoy it.

I know all those ghosts are still there, under a fresh coat of Marscapone cream paint.