Nostalgia isn’t a place; it’s a feeling. From an age before I needed healing. Butterfly kisses and angel wings— A little girl’s heart knowing how to sing.

Dancing barefoot in the grass Proud to be daddy’s wee lass. Firefly glow on warm summer days, Wishing I had forever to play.

Scrapping my knee always brought tears, But quickly were gone when mommy appeared. Kisses and cookies both cou...

Thump.

I run headlong against someone’s solid chest.

“Whoa, easy there.” Warm hands lock around my arms, steading me.

“Oh! I am so sor—“ I glance up and the words die on my lips. “Hunter.”

He gives a tiny mock bow. “M’lady.”

“Why are you always following me?”

“Am I?” He takes on an endearing quizzical expression. An all too practiced expression, I’m sure.

“Would you leave me alone?” ...

A hand clamps over my mouth. I try to scream, but the sound is muffled in the strangers palm. Struggling against them, I try to run.

They’re much bigger and stronger than me. Struggle is pointless. I’m like a styrofoam peanut in their fist.

This imaginary is so ludicrous it makes me laugh. Probably not the most intelligent move considering I’m about to be mugged or worse.

The figure pulls me...

If you’ll but only hand over your rights, We’ll teach you; we’ll flip on the lights.

All the same, and oh so happy. Far away from this life so crappy.

You’ll own nothing—you’ll be free. We want the best for you, you see.

We’re taking care of you, my dear. Thoughts and opinions? Not needed here.

Just lean back, relax, have fun— Soon our agenda will be done.

You’ll believe just what we ...

You gave me flowers— They made me sneeze. I’m allergic to chocolate Which isn’t a breeze.

Instead of sharing your shake, You bought me another. When you hugged me goodnight, It felt like my mother.

Standing on my porch, You leaned in to be kissed. Must’ve closed your eyes Because you flat out missed!

You finally went home I let out a huge sigh. Let’s go out again? I would rather d...

She is beautiful.

Golden scales reflecting the sun. She swims so freely, like she’s gliding through the water. Her tail flows like a silken veil.

Yes, she is beautiful… just like him.

Strong and fierce, his silver fins are full. A blue streak runs up his spine. He swims around her in circles, body moving as one with the water.

They are perfect for each other. I know that. I remind myself I...

A flower I can sniff. Bees I can chase. Crawling around in grass Dirt under my paws— Everything in me leaps “Food!” Comes the call....

The suns soft glow Warms the air While crickets sing Without a care.

The smell of lawn clippings And that sweet summer breeze. I never want to grow up Or move from here please.

Shadows crawl in As Fireflies rise to sky. Shrieking barefoot children Trap them with joyful cry.

This is what summer feels like to me. Nostalgia and memories That set your heart free....

Trimmed bushes. Perfectly manicured lawns. Clean painted siding.

Suburban utopia.

A place I call my home. My home: it is my home.

What is a home?

A pretty little house? A family unit? Friends and nice neighbors?

Perhaps.

Perhaps it can be. But not mine.

My home is where I learned to fly. It’s the place I flew from— A nest left behind.

This suburban utopia Was a cage whose bar...

Fire flickers bright From this wooden stake I grasp. Lighting way in the night To see what my creaky basement holds.

Movement by the trash can Oh my! What can it be? Pointy ears belonging to no man A long tail and a damp pink nose.

The creatures jumps right out I startle then I laugh. Sitting before me on this route Is my sisters little kitty-cat!...