Homeland

Homeland

raised without parents in different places
moved to a city where I had no memory
plan of protection through invisibility
keep the head down endure the living

moved to a city where I had no memory
beating heart of ice begins to melt
keep the head down seek out a living
hearing strangers start to say my name

beating heart of ice begins to melt
unlocking doors to welcome acquaintance
hearing people start to say my name
offering handshake with fruit and cookies

unlocking a door to welcome friends
gifts of laughter and conversation
offering handshake with fruit and cookies
in return given warmth and a hug

gifts of laughter and conversation
plan of invisibility thrown away
keep the head up seek out love
moved to a city I now call home

Zack Hoffman 2024