This Place is a HOME

By Kathy Armijo

A foundation,
Four walls,
A roof,
A house or a home?

I’ve been in many a beautiful house
To die for furnishings,
The latest electronic gadgets,
Roaring fire in the fireplace
Yet, unable to keep out the cold.

The house looks like a museum
Except you don’t pay to get in.
Afraid to touch a thing
Cause breaking it you can’t afford.
Remembering the sign in the store
You touch it, you break it, you bought it.  Ouch!

That loving place called home
Is really quite different.
The furniture may be worn,
But the place feels warm
            Even without a fire in the fireplace
            Or, the heater being on.

Take your shoes off.
Stay a spell.
You’re not company
You’re one of the family.

Want another soda?
You know where the fridge is.
Make yourself at home.

Kids run through the door,
Not all of them yours.
A water gun fight?
In the dining room?
Shucks, it’s only water,
What the heck!
Let’s join in and
Show them how the big kids play.

A home is a place where love abounds.
It knows sounds of laughter and tears.
It knows fears.
It knows joyousness.

It’s the port that provides shelter from life’s storms.
Mom’s café is always open.
Dad can repair your car or knows who can.
There’s always an open box of Kleenex,
     Ready for that heart-felt share.
You consider yourself lucky
     To have a loving caring home. 

A floor:
     To lie on, to share your dreams, watch TV, or
     To color or wrestle with the grandkids.
Many walls:
     On which to hang the kiddo’s pictures
     And their art.
A roof:
     To provide protection for your loved ones.

Now, THIS
Is a HOME!