Street Roots • Sept. 2-8, 2016
H om e
Poetry
Page 13
H ere in Oregon
by Aileen McPherson
by Ron Sanford
Home - what are you, really?
Are you a place of origin?
The building where I live?
Or merely a congenial environment,
In which I reside with others?
Home means Nevada? Not to me
Home is where you are comfortable
What I left behind is not worth my time
Here in Oregon I have a life that’s new
Because people care about you
Maybe home is more than
Its definitions, maybe - just maybe
Home is spiritual, it’s religious, personal,
We make our home. We are not and
Should not be defined by our home.
There were good and bad times. Now I’m free
I don’t need the negativity!
Step by step, one day at a time
Here in Oregon I can breathe anew
Because people care about you
Home is for me
H. Humans Housing Humanely
0. Observing Optimism Over Obstacles
M. Maintain Mutual Mastery
E. Effectively Existing Equally
Home is always what love makes it to be.
There’s no bottom line. Play the game.
Home is where your treasures will be
What I have found here is family and friends
Look at me now, I am fully covered!
Because people care about you here in Oregon.
I’m recovering one step at a time
Little by little, I keep climbing the vine
What is behind me is advocacy
At least I have a chance to thrive
Because people care about you here in Oregon