My Childhood Home

The scent of fresh flowers

Upon the summer breeze

Carry's me back to my childhood home

Turning back the years

***

My mother tending her prized garden

Through spring, summer, and fall

Keeping a loving home

Spreading joy to all

***

The smell of furniture polish

The shine on our coffee table

Reflecting the smiles, we always wore

Whenever she was around

***

As I walk through my childhood home

Silent and empty throughout

The sweet memories of years gone by

Accompany me as I think about

***

Our Christmas tree bedecked with lights

My family gathered around the dining table

Being tucked into bed each night

My mother reading Aesop's Fables

***

The house built from solid oak

Blending in the forest grove

The gurgle of a stream nearby

Overflown by peaceful doves

***

This house of love and life

Forever home in my memory

With my mother's caring touch

And loving empathy

***

It stands empty since the day she left

On her final journey home

Her absence leaving this place

Forever monochrome

***

No more memories made

With my sweet mother gone

The energy of a happy home

Forever stifled

***

And so, I close the door and walk away

From a house, no longer a home

No more a place where love and laughter dwell

But merely a bereft empty shell