HFD

Hop off the bus from elementary school. Dig out my felt Woodsy Owl keychain. Unlock the door. I had trouble learning to unlock our front door because you had to turn a little to the right, press the handle, and shove in with a shoulder. The three step process was too much when I was eight. My dad drew a tiny arrow directing the key with pencil right above the keyhole.

I'd finally get it, open the screen door and hear:
-The abrupt stop of keys typing at a computer.
-The creak of an office chair.
-My dad's voice building, "Its...it's...Alice!"

I might have sighed, but I liked that great booming welcome from my great booming dad. And slowly I'm sure it built up in me. My entrance is to be celebrated. I'm loved, I'm home.

The Oh Hellos

Hello, my old heart,

how have you been?

How is it, being locked away?

Don't you worry.

In there, you're safe,

and it's true you'll never beat,

but you'll never break.

Because nothing lasts forever.

Some things aren't meant to be.

But you'll never find the answers

until you set your old heart free.

Tucson, Arizona. 2014.