A HOUSE OR A HOME

It’s said that open space can become a cage,
And that walls do not a prison make.
The way we live is ours alone to choose.
Our future depends on which road we take.

A House may have four sturdy walls,
Sheets of plywood and lots of 2 x 4’s.
A roof, some paint, a brick or two,
And finished with windows, floors and doors.

A house is a place to eat, to sleep;
To cool your heels, to hang your hat.
A motel would serve those needs as well,
But a home is more, much more than that.

A home is a castle, though it may be small,
A sanctuary, and shelter from ills and woe.
It may lack a moat and have no turrets tall,
But it can be a fortress to repel the foe.

How does a house become a home?
To make the change, what can you do?
Think of those things that bring you joy,
And your family’s wants and wishes, too.

The smell of freshly baking bread,
A crackling fire to warm your toes.
A cup of toddy on Christmas day,
As you open gifts and save the bows.

Children in pajamas playing hide and seek,
A puppy wagging his little tail.
A kitten purring as you scratch its head,
A spot of tea while you read the mail.

You can make your childrens' house a home
By being there for all their needs;
By showing love, compassion and tolerance,
And by setting the standards with your daily deeds.

A house divided just will not stand,
And to keep a home united is a heavy load.
But home and family will long survive,
If we shed some light on life’s dusky road.