Welcome Home

This article is part of the Claritas spring 2024 issue, Home. Read the full print release here.

By: dara gonzalez

Pull off these muddy sneakers

Floor frigid under planted feet

Slumped, still

Chilled body deflates

Planks groan under the weight

Exhale, another feeble routine

Fabric of my heart, torn threadbare

Soul falls weary with wet weight

Here, everything goes wrong

Downpour seeps inside

Four walls set to ward off 

Regret, which is all I have since I caged myself in

This isn’t home

Locked inside a room

Where we once laughed, tears spilt on white sheets

Spring’s essence forever stamped in our joy

I seek the scent of blossoming citrus

Now soured, I open windows 

My eyes wander, finding smiles frozen in frames

Life buried in the corners of my family’s grins

When I breathe in 

Wind whispers a sweet song

“Not alone, I’m your home

Here I am to call your name”

Twinkling laughter weaves itself in my ears

Even if I go astray, He waits, 

Waves, calls me to be together, even in the rain

I know we can be each other’s comfort

We dance, soaked, until the sun shines again

I don’t need a roof when the Lord is my refuge

Love so great, walls can’t bind me

When I step into my Father’s house

I am greeted with His warm embrace

Every broken heart strung together, mending

A room prepared for me, always

Here, I know I belong