The house talks in a language I’ve never heard before.
Creaks and groans
and inconsistent tapping.
The door talks to the floorboards as I enter
letting them get ready for my weight.
They brace themselves.
Stay firm under my feet
only wincing in pain
when I push a nail further into their skin.

I heard the walls talk once.
They spoke English. Muffled.
I heard the words cancer
and tumour and doctor coming
through them.
Dad heard too
and was crying next time I saw him
I don’t think he likes it when the walls talk.