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July 3, 2017

Holly Hunter had a good answer for "What Does America Mean To You" when she was interviewed for The Actors Studio, years ago.  That wasn't the question she was asked; she was asked what her favorite sound was, and she said "Probably a screen door slamming."

That was before I had a negative association with the sound of a door slamming.  I think I know what she meant; it's the sound of a screen door slamming when you and your friends are kids and you run into or out of the house in the summer.  

I suppose it's the sound of a screen door slamming behind you when you're an adult and you walk out onto the porch with some lemonade to give to people that you're having dinner with, the ice clinking in the pitcher.

It's the creaky hinges when someone leaves the porch and goes into the house for a few minutes at night, while you stay outside and listen to the otherworldly singing of the night insects and hear the moths collide with the screened windows.  

It's the sound that doesn't happen when someone walks into your house and has something sad to tell you; he or she will be careful to close the door gently so it doesn't make any noise.  It's the sound that doesn't happen when someone who's walking out of your life doesn't have even enough feeling for you to be angry that your relationship is over.  It's the sound that doesn't happen when people who live together are in detente but their life hasn't healed.

Copyright L. Kochman, July 3, 2017 @ 9:20 a.m.