It is not for a person to create a home.

It is not for a person

to build a home for a family,

for a culture.

Culture must make itself home for you.

Family should welcome you, all of you, through the doors

with open arms.

Culture should say:

Sorry, dinner isn't quite ready yet.

I know you're hungry.

I know you're starving.

<Please wait a little longer.

I promise I won't disappoint.>

Family should make conversation;

Be happy in your triumphs

Sad in your losses

With no barbs of disapproval

No "I told you so"s;

After all, you are not them, and they are not you

And you will each make your own mistakes.

Culture should warm you with food

And give you a soft bed to rest in.

Family should dim the lights, slowly,

and greet you with a smile in the morning.

Culture must make a home for you;

Family must accept you.

How else will you make a place for them

in your heavy, beating heart?

How else will they stay with you,

keep you fiercely loyal,

thousands of miles from home?