Farewell, My Beloved Home
©1996 by Lynn D. Troldahl Hershberger

My home.

You have kept me warm,

afforded space for gatherings,

been a source of pride,

a badge of accomplishment,

an artistic endeavor.

You were a dream come true.

My own home, purchased on my own merits;

bigger than I needed,

small enough to manage easily.

The neighborhood felt perfect, too.

Rows of houses plunked close together

forced neighbors to become acquainted.

Kids riding by on bikes would wave hello.

Folks in houses this close know what's up with each other.

There was comfort in knowing they were watching.

I loved playing grown-up dollhouse.

Turquoise painted trim, pink to accent;

Flamingos on the lawn,

chrome chairs, formica table,

and my cherished teapot collection arranged for all to see.

Never mind your mustard yellow kitchen;

your tub has clawed feet, painted brightly!

Never mind your sagging porch;

barbecues cooked there tasted better than anywhere else.

Even with a leaky basement and shared driveway,

you were mine.

You sheltered me, I nurtured you.

I had big dreams for us together...

Now my life has changed.

I took a fork in the road and have found a new direction.

But to follow this road I must leave you behind.

The furniture, paintings, teapots,

they will follow me again.

But your nurturing arms will be empty.

And I will instead have human arms to comfort me.

But, dear house, I will miss your embrace.

May you bless your new family as you have me.

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