sounds of home.

walking in the door after a day of teaching and meetings.

immediately my ears are met

with piano keys playing and replaying

the same melody.

practice time.

and then

little bursts of laughter and talking

as grandma and grandson

talk around the notes.

billy joel.

favorite songs.

what to learn next.

the back door opens and shuts (slams).

swishing coats and clunky boots hit the floor.

“Gwanma?”

another grandson, smaller this time,

looking for the older brother he has misplaced.

more cousins with coats and boots.

more calls for someone to be home.

it’s snack time.

little hands rattling the jar

of cookies and crackers

set aside, just for them.

a whirlwind of hellos and goodbyes.

and then back outside

door opens and shuts (slams)

for one last toss of the football

before winter officially sets in.

home.