That Right There

I can’t see my neighbors - not the human ones, but my heart knows they are there. If I need them. They are.

Most of my neighbors are furry or feathered. They scamper and eat and annoy my dogs. They steal my tomatoes and cabbage and flowers. But. They are welcome. They always are.

I walk. I can speak whatever language my heart wants. The birds speak back even though they do not hablan español o ingles. They also do not complain they they “can’t understand” or “do not comprenden.” I’m always welcome. Always.

I hear the sounds of two toddlers. So. Many. Sounds. No. They are not my toddlers. They belong to me only through the ones I raised. But. Oh the joy of this sound. I hear my heartbeat when they laugh.

That right there. That’s home.