Put a sign on the door
with your name on it in stickers.
Fall asleep to sound
of your mom running water
and wake to the smell
of blubbery muffins
feeling safe just like I did.
Have sleepovers with your grandma
and stuffed animal wars with friends.
Play the mulch is lava
and climb up the slippery slide
in the park behind your house.
Fly on the porch swing
while your dog runs in the yard
just like I used to.
Catapult onto the big bed
in your mom’s room
and play games with her in the kitchen.
Curl up in your favorite spot before school.
Fill in every scar in this place
with the sound of your innocent laughter
like once upon a time I would.
Come home after a long day
because I can’t anymore.
So, just love this house like I still do
and in eighteen years thank it
for raising you.