People in the Attic

Who are they? Are they one of us? Or different?

Rumbles from above. Steps, thuds and other mystery sounds. No rhyme or reason, just noises. The mind tries to connect these to some pattern, a cause. Maybe an effect? Of what? Or a result? The roof is collapsing, the timbers are shuddering their last? Soon the ceiling will fall in? That kind of result?

I doubt it, but the mind wonders.

If the windows creak in windy conditions, are they about to fail? No; just flexing in the wind, a sign they are strong and doing their job. Same with creaking roofs; maybe not the thuds and other sounds, but creaks, yes.

I only once lived below another resident. The building was of concrete so little noise was heard, just an occasional squeal of a chair or table being moved across the floor. Most times I was on the upper floor and made the sounds others wondered about. Most years, however, I lived in a single-family home and the only noise was our own; we knew where each other was and knew that all was OK.

I guess I’m really getting at the people we imagine living in an attic space, or the attics of our minds. What wondrous creatures they are! Some are hideous and scary, but most are friendly and help us recall people long in our past. I can’t help but wonder what they would think of ‘modern’ times. Would they be appalled? Or would they be calm, ‘seeing’ a broad span of time and its happenings and then knowing that those all passed in time and we all managed to survive and prosper.

Those are the imaginings that give me some peace. Still, they have the power to haunt present moods.

What matters most is how we handle the upsets and threats as they arise. Do we take a deep breath and continue our way? Or do we react and add to the chaos?

I’d rather we calmly consider the options and move on. These are the times that teach us what is good and right. Hopefully, these are the times that will build resolve to plan, create and solve problems. We are good at that. Best we carry on with that task and carry a smile to brighten the day for others.

September 6, 2018