hibernation's end

How do you know

How do you know when you’re home

When you’ve been gone for so long

But you’ve made it finally

With presents wrapped tightly

Mom, Dad, 3 sisters, 2.5 brothers

The .5 is an in-law

But he’s alright

We’ll round up.

But how do you know

That college, grad school, and 2 stints of expat life--

That that time, that non-linear time

That stretches, compresses, and skips beats at will

Did it have time to remember you.

Door opens and cradles you with light and sound

Sensory overload--

Split wood piled near a woodstove, fire’s going

Persian rug, wood floors, and people

Oh so many people

Smiling.

Welcome back

Welcome home.