Welcome

A poem for the fifth "member" of our family.

Look, I think I see a new flower growing
See how the fog on the streetlamp is glowing?
Come back here young lady I'm not done your sunscreen
When you said you felt far away, what did you mean?

Good morning and please may I pet your dog?
What would you think if I started a blog?
Tell me some more of your hopes and your dreams 
I feel like I'm falling apart at the seams 

Hurry up everyone or else we’ll be late 
How did this discussion become a debate?
Do you think you could go grab my book from the shelf?
When will I start to feel more like myself?

Just a minute I think I forgot the keys
Sit with me a while and feel the spring breeze
Where do you see us in five to ten years?
No you’re not crazy, I’ve had those same fears

Let me take a look, now there’s a good bruise
If you could be anything, what would you choose?
How is it possible, how much you have grown?
Of course I still love you, no, you’re not alone

Take a deep breath, you will be okay
Before you leave do you mind if we pray?
Laughter and stillness and murmurs and tears
These are all of the things my porch hears 

When was the last time you talked to your mom?
I wonder who our girls will become
It’s hard to reach out when I feel so afraid 
Is that the time? Sorry to have overstayed

The bugs are so bad at this time of the year
I love seeing all of the new leaves appear
Next week let’s make cookies and meet the new neighbours
I’m starting to think this time it’s real labour

Just black is good for me please and thank you
When is it going to be my turn for a breakthrough?
Sometimes this stage feels like it goes on forever 
What if the answer to this prayer is “never”?

You’re really getting the hang of that bike
Sometimes I imagine what life could’ve been like 
Welcome home love and how was your day?
I’m sorry, I don’t even know what to say

Oh the stories my front porch could tell you
Of life that is ordinary, love that is true
A shelter from real and figurative rain 
A silent observer of the holy mundane 

An ode to my porch and the witness she bears 
To the every day life, the small joys, the cares 
The vigil she keeps while we create a home
A beacon of welcome, a taste of shalom