Childhood Home

Standing in the driveway I remember better days.

It was a place alive with children laughing and playing.  Cattle fat from corn and alfalfa hay lay on a pile of corn cobs. A horse and two ponies grazed in the pasture.

The buildings were straight and strong. Always freshly painted and tidy.

The barn; oh the barn, baby calves, kittens and a collie dog; so full of life.
The barn still stands straight but the paint is old, dull and peeling . I open the door. Cob webs cover the beautiful hand hewn beams. Under the hay –mow there’s still a small pile of hay. Lady had her puppies there.

The house once modern and sparkling clean. Now, outdated and worn. Wallpaper has yellowed, floors creek. A distinct musky scent fills the air.

Empty, quiet…so quiet.

Apples and pears lay rotting on the ground. No more pies for dessert. No more sauce served with dinner.

I thank God for the privilege of growing up here. For parents who loved us. And, more importantly, loved each other. Their dreams realized here.

Fifty years of love, hard work, laughter and joy.

Quiet now, ..so quiet.

A Morning dove begins to coo. A Cardinal chimes in from the very top of a cottonwood tree. Their songs remind me that soon new life will be here.

Once again a young family with a dream and strength will breathe life back.

Buildings once again will have fresh paint. The old house replaced with a new one.

Sounds of animals and children playing will fill the air. Love, laughter, hard work, and joy will return.

I smile knowing that dreams never really die. They are simply passed on.

Helen DeBell
Copyright August 2010  All rights reserved