- For Linda Gayton’s Journal Challenge -

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs,

And returns home to find it.”

George Moore

June 9th, 7:45 PM

Backyard Patio Table

Mom moved to Florida several months back – for health reasons;

Dad’s been gone – six long years come July;

Their former happy home – now stands empty and forlorn.

On a recent visit here, I decided it really needed some TLC;

So I’ve spent several days here sprucing up the old place:

 - a thorough cleaning inside and out;

- gobs of bright annual flowers planted;

- and this afternoon, applying a fresh coat of paint to its old windowsills,

an annual task that I used to thoroughly enjoy doing with my Dad.

As I now wearily sit out here on their home’s patio at sunset with my dogs,

Penning this journal entry, I gaze up at this empty old house in front of me.

It seems a tad happier now with the new flowers, and the fresh paint;

But it’s just not the same house anymore.

I also now find myself periodically glancing over to its weathered old backdoor,

almost expecting to see Mom or Dad happily sauntering through it to offer me a beer, a sandwich, or a cup of coffee; Dad always has a funny story to go along with these refreshments.

But that backdoor isn’t opening tonight; I can only picture my parents here in my mind; and I soon begin recalling many wonderful summer sunsets spent right here with them; right here on this peaceful big city backyard patio that my Dad and I proudly built together, so many years ago.

My dogs suddenly seem to sense my nostalgic state, and they’re all now gathering around me; offering their compassion, their companionship, and plenty of affectionate canine kisses.

Suddenly, two tiny sparrows land on the old backyard fence; several twigs held firmly in each of their beaks.

My dogs and I quickly become entranced by their unexpected visit; and these tiny feathered creatures remain perched on the old fence curiously peering at us, and we at them, for several silent minutes.

Soon these two birds take wing and fly directly up to Dad’s old air conditioner in the den window; it appears they’re now happily building a new nest on the newly painted windowsill, directly above my newly planted backyard flowers.

Now I’m smiling as I’m writing this, even though my eyes are still misting up just a bit. My parents always liked house sparrows, and I know they’d like these brand new tenants.

I guess this old home’s not empty after all, not even in my heart and soul.

©2006, Ed Kostro