I'M Coming Home

He looks through the curtains as the meal is served The sweat on his brow and the I.V. drips Mom wears her apron with a picture of a turkey on it It was her favorite and the music playing And I'm coming home to where I'm loved Father sits watching the game as the plate goes round He had money on the wrong side but he swigs a beer Everyone seems happy and content so he knocks on the door No one hears and he stirs,trying to break free of the restraints And I'm coming home to the warmth when I'm cold and alone Where a man works and his wife cleans and raises the boys Where desolation has no place to hide and no regret And Mom hasn't begun drinking because her son left and will never come back Where the geese still fly South to the warmth Dogs bark and people have to stand to switch the channel And I'm coming home No cell phone or video games to gaze at and 24 hour news The nurse brings a syringe and plunges it into my I. V. The Angel wipes my soaking brow and gives me comfort I'm alone with the mist and the murmur of the crickets I'm coming home The house is quiet and emptiness within But Mom left a light on with expectation A sign was set for all to know I'm coming The quiet is lovely and the light welcomes Home