home
A pot of tea steeping in the kitchen.
That’s home.
A slice of brown bread springing from in the toaster.
That’s home.
Packed off out the door to run free in nature.
That’s home.
A roast chicken cooking for dinner.
That’s home.
A dog asleep on a rug by the fire.
That’s home.
Coming back, after a long day, to a hug from your brother.
That’s home.
Washing your clothes and getting them mixed up with your sister’s.
That’s home.
Falling asleep to the grumbling hum of the tumble dryer.
That’s home.
Waking up to the steady clamour of a busy mother.
That’s home.
Running a bath and being held by the warm water.
That’s home.
Snuggling up together on the sofa, then dancing on the kitchen table,
As if we’ll be young forever.
That’s home.
Four brick walls and a front door like the others.
But, inside, a love that feels like no other.
That’s home.
my dog loves me
My dog loves me -
A small, brown creature with whom
I share my home -
How unlikely, how brilliant!
Life is enough.
My dog loves me -
When I sit on the sofa with her,
She lets me stroke her paw -
What blessed creatures we are!
Life is enough.
My dog loves me
And when I step out into the rain,
With her by my side,
The day no longer feels grey,
But bright!
Moments like these
can seem small.
But, if I stop and think…
Oh! There are tears in my eyes!
Life is enough.
the last blackberry of autumn
The last blackberry of autumn
Was sour
And thimble small,
As though it too sensed the winter
And had become bitter,
Shrinking
Away from the cold winds
On the horizon.
Perhaps next year would be sweeter.