If you’ve ever held a shell to your ear
and heard the ocean wide within,
then you know something
of the sense of home
that envelops me
when I hear your voice.

If you’ve ever stood barefoot in the grass
as evening’s breeze danced around you,
then you know something
of how my heart leaps
in joy exuberant
when I see you smile.

If you’ve ever walked in a wood, lost, and
understood that you never want to be found,
then you know something
of what I know
on the darkest night
when I search your eyes.