When I was growing up
I dreamt of bathrooms
Large enough to comfortably hold
A clothes hamper,
And graceful archways
Rather than rectangular doors;
I dreamt of having my own room
That I could paint or paper
In colors of my own choosing,
Not the military's plain white;
I dreamt of friendly neighbors
And  lifelong friends
That never moved away,
And of having more than one pet
At a time.
Growing up a child of the military
I was blessed in so many ways
Yet though I always had a roof over my head
I never really had a home.
Now I have a singular opportunity
To realize two dreams:
To own my own home
And to return to that part of the country
I once knew and loved so much.
Dear Lord, I pray,
Make my words ring sweet and true ;
Let them fall favorably
Upon those who would judge them.