five minutes for home

one of the many definitions of "home"

It’s the postman’s tread on my front porch.

It’s the tea kettle’s whistle that goes ignored for minutes because the laughter in the other room is too loud.

It’s the stains of strawberry juice tracing the wood grains of a cutting board.

It’s the shutter’s click as bodies jostle for position, freeze, say cheese, and relax into giggles.

It’s the patchwork of fields seen from 10,000 feet as I wing from Pennsylvania to Arizona and back again.

It’s the grumble of the ice cream maker as it munches on chocolate and raspberries.

It’s the recipe on today’s tongue that revives memories of my six-year-old tongue.

It’s the click of the front door and the first breath of air that greets me.

It’s the faces that sag and crease and dot with age and the eyes that still sparkle and flash and dart with love.

It’s the wrinkled sheets still warm from a tiny body.

It’s the things I can’t pack in my luggage.

It’s home.

7 Comments

  1. Ruth said:

    Loved the word pictures. Your home sounds like a fun place to be. 🙂

    June 17, 2011
    Reply
  2. Shelly W. said:

    Oh wow. This evokes such powerful memories of when my teenagers were little. What a sweet and awesome post!

    June 17, 2011
    Reply
  3. Nancy said:

    Once again the love in your heart shines through in just five minutes.

    June 17, 2011
    Reply
  4. midnitechef said:

    I love the “Home” little one is enjoying in the photo! Excellent post 🙂

    June 17, 2011
    Reply
  5. Jo said:

    Home–safe. You made me feel it. Thanks.

    June 17, 2011
    Reply
  6. Cindy said:

    Delicious!
    I have just spent May and June thus far with you and I must say I can wait for the tail of June and beyond.
    Wonderful words that take me back to when my brood was young and filled with this moment right here, For record, my first step into adulthood beet eating was a milestone also….brussel sprouts…whew! Still working on that one.

    June 18, 2011
    Reply

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