spontaneous singing
dubious dance moves
the itchy smell
of pepper, onions and garlic

interwoven with laughter
old time country songs
blistering guitar riffs
emo music and rap

doors slamming open and close
dogs scratching at the door
the novelty
of cell phone dings

now
the dogs have passed
the doors don’t slam
no emo music or rap

cell phone dings
ring loud
bringing news from
far-flung offspring.