My Attempt to be Artistic . . .

How long ago did someone happily
hammer in the last nail,
and brush on that last stroke of paint,
before proudly presenting the fruits of his labor
to his anxiously waiting family?

How long ago did smoke curl from the chimney,
and the aroma of mother's cooking,
and the laughter of children
fill the rooms?

How long ago did the key
turn in the latch
for the last time?