The Window

Little kids babbling, sound of plates clinking, plastic bags rustling, an occasional humming crescendo of a vehicle passing by, a quick squawk from an ajuma, water running, doors squeaking, gates slammed, the dogs getting their two cents in,  a jumprope, short hops, bold skips, and sudden jumps, little feet, big feet, clicking heels, and then the breeze that vibratos through the narrow alleyways and brings the rest.  Just a few seconds of necessary stillness and breathing as it passes by.  Then, the pizzicato of children's voices, a deep bass of echoing footsteps in the stairwell, waves from an old record player bringing sounds from a distant past, tubs bouncing, keys jingling, a broom getting friendly with the pavement, sweep, sweep, sweeeeep, water running, doors squeaking, gates slammed, the dogs getting their two cents in, a jumprope, short hops, bold skips, and sudden jumps, little feet, big feet, clicking heels, and then a breeze that vibratos through the narrow alleyways and brings the rest.  So much life occupying the space outside my window.