Noble Basement

To you, the wary stranger,
the basement
is never appealing.
It's gaping entries
and inky corners yawn, hungrily
waiting like a sadistic recluse
for prey.
But we, the familiar,
treasure the memories enshrouding
this noble basement,
with chilled walls
and particular doors
worn by unforgiving years
and the rough use of family and friends
long past.
A feeble bulb sprinkles light, sparingly
illuminating the wreckage.
For us, the residents,
like ghosts of past lineage
gliding over the silky stones,
this is our blessed home.