Clouds of faces, but they might well be empty skies
The words are the same, but I don’t know the voice
It’s not warm, like the smile of an old friend
They smile, they welcome, but they don’t see or know me
They help, they care, but they have their own lives to live
Trickling on after this leaf has come and gone
It’s a charming place, this stranger’s land
Old turf, old people, old grudges; narrow streets and life-long friends
A mug at the pub at a long day’s end
In the light I’m here, wandering through this stranger’s land,
Wondering where I left my red shoes
Playing the role I’m given in the complex film called life
But at night I drift, click my heels and I’m home again
Like a long-lost friend, like I’ve never been gone
And it’s laughter and familiar voices, warm like the hugs they give without thinking
It’s nights lit by blue screens, long talks and shared hearts
Pizza and mint tea in a pink comfy chair
Silences filled with words
It’s walking in doors and knowing you’ve come home,
It’s singing with the band and knowing every name, every story
Knowing your home is where your family lives
It’s meeting a friend and never getting lost,
Driving on roads I know like the lines on my hands
Walking blindfolded and not caring
Because you know, no matter where you go
There are other places, but they aren’t like home
There are other faces, but they don’t look like my own
There is other music, but it’s not down-home
There are other friends, but they’re planted, not grown
And when I wake up, go back to this stranger’s land
I have no birds in the bush, but one in each hand
My head knows home is far away
Past miles and oceans and way past teatime
But I know deep inside, if I really try
Home is really just a heart-click away
Katie that is lovely. Miss seeing you on Sundays and I am praying for you, but this is good for you. You are growing deep roots, and now you know a few roads in another land and a few birds in the bushes are beginning to at least look familiar.
Bless you child. Home sends a hug!
Miss you too, Lisa! Give Whirly a big hug for me! (And get one for yourself). Blessings