The drive down is long
It seems to get longer each year
It was late when I pulled into the driveway
I let out an audible sigh
I always regret leaving home
I always regret coming home.
I sat quietly on the back patio listening to the children play
When I last saw them, they were in strollers
There are new children too
I hear the voices of their parents warning them to be careful
When I lived here, their parents were barely adults
Strollers and tricycles have been replaced by e-scooters
I decided to work, I had lots to fix
In the garage, I see the tube of hand cleaner where I left it years ago
Brand-new downspouts sat waiting for me to place
I looked under the shelves, and the old “brand-new” downspouts were exactly where I'd left them.
I couldn't remember where the pot holders or olive oil were kept
She teased me
The flapper valve for the toilet that continuously runs is exactly where I said it was
I teased her
We both smiled at what we each remembered, our own talents.
The garage has more stuff than I remembered
It needed cleaning. It was fun.
Long-forgotten items rediscovered
Things I had longed to discard, I was finally able to do.
You can get a car in there now.
We sat on the couch as we had done many times
The same conversations were shut down
I believe in healing the past, she believes in letting it go
We will always be friends.
The limb where the red-tailed hawk sat and had breakfast with me is gone. I miss that.
I visited the place in the backyard where my old cat Tiggy is buried.
We talked. I told him about my life.
My pet squirrel, Squeaker, is buried next to him.
I asked if they had become friends or were still chasing each other around the stars.
I didn’t receive an answer, but I know Tiggy… Squeaker has been trained and they’re friends.
My favorite duck, Bill, has yet to come by for a visit.
The neighbor, out in his work shed, still plays all the oldies
Today, it’s the Eagles Seven Bridges Road blaring across the fence
I quietly sing along
It makes me happy, and I find peace in it.
Another night on the couch
We’ve switched ends
The conversation was nice
Sharing things we wish we had in friends
Discovering we have them in each other.
My chores are well underway, there is still much to do
There are sprinklers to fix
A fence gate that has been falling apart for years
There are other things she hasn’t noticed, I fix them too
That neighbor is now on Parkinson's meds
He’s younger than I and struggling
We talked about health and growing old
He didn’t remember how old I was, so I told him
I was older than he, resentment crept into his voice.
My time here is growing short
There are people yet to see
There are events still to attend.
Monday night is a block party and family gathering, we’re invited
I expect a fight
When we part, there always is
I can feel the tension
I steel myself for the inevitable.
The parting hugs were wonderful
The love is still there
The car is loaded; I back out
I always regret coming home
I always regret leaving home.