my skin and bones

are house that for many years

was not a home

no matter how many times i renovated

eventually the furnace broke

the roof caved in

memories collected cobwebs

in the attic

i rebuilt this house

brick by brick

i am ready to move back in

to be happy within these walls

so please,

don't call the exteriors beautiful

call these foundations strong,

call the design smart,

call the heart hard-working,

call me home.

October 28, 2021.