sitting searching for that

you left those flowers in the hallway

they’re wilted but they still feel like home

pacing up the hall

padded feet and the smell of sunflowers

carried away in the wind

dandelions, they never found their place.

but you’re there as they swirl around me and

you’re there as the waters churn and the ocean

carves at the shore and you’re there

as the sands shift with the tides

and i remember those old piano keys

they’re covered in dust

those stars over that wooden deck we built in the backyard

that fire burning off in the distance and

i feel rain pattering in my quiet thoughts.

but i feel warm when you wrap me in your blanket

and i feel safe in the sunshine of your smile

and i feel home when i walk up those wooden stairs

and i see you standing there.

-mh