Home At Last

Home.


I'm headed there for the first time in what seems like a century.


The last time we were acquainted, I was saying farewell to what thus far had been a lifetime of sentiment. The pale yellow walls of the front left room had its fair share of beatings between nail markings and scratches from this desk and that bed. The carpets filled with character of sentimental stains and the "sorry mom, I didn't mean to spill my red polish on the white shag" were no Hollywood home decor. When gazing at the worn white-washed deck, it was evident that many feet had soiled it in utter embrace of one other's company. The tree that bore fresh leaves each spring sits parallel to the little window that those big brown eyes frequently peeked out of. Even the awful and outdated plush pink carpet in the back room names the three little girl's feet that scurried across to meet mommy in the bathroom to get ready for another Sunday service.


Then surrounding these four walls you'll find the park down the street with the old familiar pier and ever changing giggling little children. The Seven Eleven only miles away has endured many hot summer days of slurpee cravings. The deer within the wooded homes recalls the runner's feet in the early weekday evenings. The little coffee shop remembers the journals that sat upon its tables and the smiles that embraced their brew. Those seemingly narrow halls filled with metal lockers and warrior display recollects the past with nostalgic desire for another go around.


When home is a place that you no longer reside, home is a feeling within. Though you exist in one place, your heart can somehow be occupied with another. Sometimes I believe no matter how far you journey or no matter how much a soul changes, its heart will always remain with that place where it all began.


Sweet, sweet Virginia, how I long to embrace you again. Now I am faced with the granting of such desires and I don't quite know what to do with it. When we reunite will you please just hold me? I remember you for the beautiful things and I'm fond of your presence.