A House, A Home, A Haven

A nest where the heart lives,
One's very own place in the world,
A family's roots and memories or
receptacle of shattered hopes,
Cobwebs of the distant past or
the magic of a budding dream,

A home can be these, and more.
Not merely sticks and bricks
and building blocks,
But feelings, finances, plans,
and futures.

A monument on a foundation,
And worthy of respect and love.
Essence of the American dream.

             by Carol Garr © 1995