homecoming
unlocked
she turned the handle and
let herself in
supplanting footsteps
left ages ago
when she could barely breathe
standing tall in the landing
she listened for her
heartbeat barely audible
down the hallway
eyes looking waywardly
as shoulders effortlessly
let go the knapsack
unashamed
she stepped forward
and further into the past
kicking every single ghost
trying to settle back in
january two thousand fourteen
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved