Home is...

Home is…

an unlocked door

an echo of belonging

It’s the quickening in my spirit as I walk

through the airport to meet my parents

at baggage claim

It’s feeling the squish of carpet beneath my feet

Home is release –

an unburdening

Rest after a long journey

It’s dresser drawers lovingly

emptied just for me

It’s hopping up on the kitchen counter

to sit and chat with Mom

It’s knowing you’re wanted –

     awaited

          welcomed

safe to stop pretending and

let down your guard

Home is licking cookie dough off the beaters

watching hummingbirds out the back window

sitting at the piano and finding an old friend

Home is enfolded in Dad’s hug

belly laughs that bathe the soul

the grace of being known

It’s the sound of little feet

slapping against the floor as

nephew and nieces run for hugs

It’s “Push me higher” and

“Halle, look!” and “Sing it again”

It’s Grandfather in his chair imparting

insight from his latest book

Gram’s hands setting the table for a feast

Gathering around it with those you love

Home is memories curled in the

swirls of a conch shell and the

peace I feel as the ears of my heart

listen to its waves

Home is knocking goodnight

on the bedroom walls and

falling asleep beloved

March 19, 2020