COME BACK HOME

I need tap shoes.
I need a light on in the window.
I need a pendulum.  
I need a map of the stars directly above me.
I need a man who calls me, gently, by my given name.
I need a prayer candle lit through the night on the top of the stove.
I need to believe that she did not ever mean it.
I need to settle my hands.
I need him to know that I knew, even when he could not yet believe.
I need to remember to sit closer to the heart of flame.
I need you to look me in the eye like you won’t take anything away from me.
I need new boots, a go-cup of coffee, and people waiting, at dusk, 
for me to come back home.

© 2019 Dora E. McQuaid

Happy Valentine’s Day to each one of you.
I hope the love in your life is holding you gently. 
All peace to each one of you. Dora