carrying two crates
of sweaters
into the cold
i’m happy
just to be home

counting the days
until its time
to go home,
back to my goofy
family and crazy friends

breathing in
hot chocolate, popcorn,
brisk October air
the homecoming game begins
my youth again

the marching band moves
in the distance
my fingers remember
an old, old tune
and play without a sound

top quarter champion

top half champion

bottom quarter champion

sapphires
in a silver band
I never gave away
I close the lid
not wanting to remember

a ring
much too large
yet
it fits perfectly
for me

the bilge builds
in my throat
as they rush
towards me
demanding news

five-dollar
Halloween dog toy
I can’t wait
to see your reaction
when I come home

top half champion

champion

bottom half champion

all at once
she shows me
her smile
and her black roses
sitting on my windowsill

I open
the door
Your smile
is my
homecoming

photographs
I see your smile
and smile back
wishing you
were here

no matter where
I am in the
world—
as long as I’m in your arms
I’m home

top quarter champion

bottom half champion

bottom quarter champion

that magical place
just
two hours away
I know soon
it will be my home

setting sun
stretches
empty fields
the long road
home

Thinking of
home,
I call my mom
and remember
why I left.

homecoming photos
emailed to the family.
a cell phone call
from the prodigal son
on his journey