To Begin Again – Published in Pure Slush Vol. 7: Home Lifespan Series – May 2023
I swear it was just the flash of
bright sunlight
burning my eyes as I paused
in the open doorway
hearing collective voices
whispering good-bye.
It’s not good-bye
I thought
inhaling the memories,
blended aromas,
bubbles of laughter and
tears of loss,
champagne toasts and
birthday candles, baby breaths
teenage drama and
wedding music.
This place called home
blossomed and grew
nurtured with
shared love, its walls
once vibrating with
children’s energy
now creak with age.
Time to move on, let
new residents
make this place their home.
Together our journey
continues with
memories housed
in our hearts.
