Response to Invitation to Write #4
I.
Home is a long driveway on Wooley's Lane
with chalk drawings of hopscotch and box-ball
an aluminum milk box on the stoop and a squirrel on the front lamppost
A Dutch door open on top, welcoming a fall breeze
Mom cooking dinner, Dad reading the paper.
II.
Home is sometimes in one place and sometimes somewhere else
and even other times at a friend's house
where there were people, where I wasn't alone
my mom or my dad, my sister or a friend
Someone cooking dinner, someone talking.
III.
Home is a place to return to for comfort
with my own bed and familiar sounds
a fridge with my favorites and a home cooked meal
a place to do laundry and find things I need
Mom cooking dinner, giving me hugs.
IV.
Home is a newlywed apartment
with hand-me-down furniture and boxes of junk
a puppy he rescued, utilities we couldn't afford
game nights and spaghetti, love in every room
Me cooking dinner, him fixing things
V.
Home has been twelve different houses in seven different cities
a family of three never apart and the worlds sweetest dog
meals around a table, a day ended in shared conversation
hugs and kisses, I love you's everyday
All of us feeling grateful, all of us together, creating our home.
