The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

"hi Honey! I'M Home!"

"Hi honey! I'm home!"  A greeting that will be heard in many homes tonight!
Hubby will be kissed by his lovely wife and he'll hug her, oh, so tight!
The kids clamber for a hug and kiss as he asks, "How was school today?"
Even Slug the pup barks and Simba the cat purrs, each to have his say!

His wife fixed his favorite meal of meat loaf, peas and mashed potatoes,
Raspberry tea, cherry pie ala mode and, oh, yes, there were fresh tomatoes!
Father said the grace thanking Him for their food and His Creation,
And asked for protection for military folks who defend this great nation!

After dinner they relaxed on the deck with a drink to watch the setting sun.
The kids chased lightning bugs on the lawn at dusk having loads of fun!
Later, the cat and dog cuddled on the hearth and the kids were tucked in bed.
Daddy read a few fairy tales - then the children's prayers were said.

Alas, across the world in foreign lands other Daddies won't be home tonight.
The only thing that they will hug is their M-16 and carry on the fight.
They'll wolf down a tasteless MRE and be greeted by the Sergeant's shout:
"Get ready for another midnight patrol - now everybody out!"

He's not concerned about promotions and medals for laurels won.
He just pines for his family's fond embrace when his tour is done.
Oh, glorious, heavenly day when he's back home never more to roam!
Oh, glorious day when he bounds thro' the door saying, "Hi honey! I'm home!"

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Maverick Avatar
February 4, 2014 at 1:56 PM
well wishes on this winner Robert congrats..'
Ali Avatar
February 3, 2014 at 9:53 AM
Congratulations on the win. You took this contest many notches higher with this great write.
Jones Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 8:45 PM
Wish it were like this for all our vets... times have changed, ol' man, love the nostalgia not so much into how the nostalgic seem to be so unaware of what life on the ground's like today and how some people are really happy living it a different way than "honey I'm home." With utmost respect, namaste. ~N
Lamoureux Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 9:31 AM
It is so easy to take for granted the sacrifices our soldiers make every day. Sadly some of these brave people never get to say "Honey I'm home" this is a fine poem and a fine win, congratulations.
Richards Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 10:21 AM
There is so much truth, ....wouldn't it be wonderful, if every man could know that his family is waiting for him, every night of his life.....but if it weren't for those who sacrifice, the rest of us would not have these treasured moments. Nice one, Robert!
Johnson Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 9:58 AM
a great interpretation of the contest. Congratulations on your no. 1 win. Love, Joyce
Kayode Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 9:15 AM
I must confess you did a wonderful work here. I have read all through , Robert you outstanding. Congrats for a well deserved victory. Kayod5.
Martin Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 7:51 AM
Congrats Robert!! Nicely done....JIm
Rutherford Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 6:55 AM
Congratulations Robert, great poem here . I love how "Honey I'm Home" means so much to everyone. Anne
Mehta Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 6:14 AM
Thanks for entering my contest and congrats on your fine win. My next contest is "Husbands are in heaven whose wives scold not", Bob
Devonshire Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 6:22 AM
We take it for granted that working men will come home at the end of the day to greet their families. You have reminded us that not all families are so lucky. I hate to think of all the disappointed children who have to wait so long to see their fathers, Bob. Powerful poem! Love, Carolyn
Gorelick Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 9:28 PM
What an awesome write..I love it..it goes to my favs and I am proud to know you..at least in cyberspace..wish we could have a cup of coffee and talk about poetry..BG
Sweetheart Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 9:38 AM
Beautiful and heartfelt Bob .. so intriguing to read and the rhyme is stupendous.. of course.. u bring the poem home to all of us who read.. and the military inference is awesome .. thankxxx ..with luv from the "Sweetheart"
Delacroix Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 7:32 PM
A lovely write, Robert. Beautiful family life and how precious it is to have it when others don't. But more even those who do and can't be with them. Thanks for an inspiring read. Best wishes to you and yours, Caroline.
Taylor Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 6:02 PM
Great write, Bob. Tells it like it is. Very well done. God watch over these guys so they can soon say "Honey I'm home"! Best to you and Vera. Rgds Ralph/Una.
Mehta Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 5:56 PM
Superb imagination.. This goes to my favorite I read it again and again.
Mehta Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 5:55 PM
What a wonderful way to pay homage and respect to the daddies who won't come home...Excellent write, Bob
A   Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Enjoyed the entire poem, but of course the Tittle is outstanding. A very catchy tittle. Smiles to you Bob H.,. Sidney LeeAnn=p.d.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace