Home is hearing the sound of waves lapping against a pebbled shore as you lie under the protection of an elder pine, who is allowing you to rest beneath his branches and soak up dappled spots of sunlight. It is the sounds of indistinct chatter between children and friends that are being carried to you on a gentle breeze. It is the scent of moist soil and growing grass, and the sweetness of hyacinths that wafts from flowerbeds a few steps away. Although your eyes are closed, you know that the sky is a clear blue, with an occasional cotton puff floating by, and the sea is the colour of your mother’s eyes. You soak in the moment, feeling safe, warm, and in harmony with the nature around you. You are attuned to the landscape that has watched you grow. You allow yourself to sink into stillness.

Home is the sound of familiar chatter as you unlock the door and step inside. You call “I’m home!” and hear the excited replies of the ones you love. You can recognize them by the sound of their footsteps as they walk from the other room to greet you. After a long day, you are comforted by the sight of the familiar laugh lines around their eyes, the ease of the casual hug they sweep you up in, and the fresh scent of laundry that clings to their clothes. You feel contentedness settle in your chest as the kettle is put on to boil, and you step into comfier clothes and a comfier manner of living. You know that they will share the best and worst moments of their day, and you cherish listening to them. You know that they cherish your stories and your well-being in return. 

Home is breathing in sync with the group around you, trusting them with your voice as you create harmony together. Your hearts begin to beat in unison as you spin the same words into melodious phrases. Your eyes are shining as you smile at the choir before stepping on to the stage, dazzled by their beauty and already proud of the performance to come. On stage, you are one being, joined together by music and illuminated by the lights above. The sight of the group dressed to match with complementary expressions as you sing is stunning. At the end of every concert, you grasp hands, kiss cheeks, and feel joy in what you can create together. You feel a sense of complete belonging and trust. You all head out from the theatre and share sparkling drinks and memories as the night winds to an end.

Home is a white house with the paint peeling, shrouded in grapevines and purple wisteria. Smoke is rising in tendrils from the red-brick chimney and multi-coloured Christmas lights can be seen twinkling from the veranda every night of the year. When the sun is shining, you can spot a cat, or two, sunning themselves on the porch steps in between pots of lavender and rosemary. You know that inside your favourite mug is waiting for you, and a movie waiting to be enjoyed with popcorn has already been picked for the evening. As you sit inside the house, wrapped in your grandma’s hand-knit, oversized cardigan, you can almost sense the plants growing outside. The moon shines gently on this space, knowing that it is sacred.

Home is seeing the silhouettes of skyscrapers against the pink-hued sky as hundreds of crows alight from their tree and fly home for the night. A smile creeps upon your lips as you see the exit sign that leads you back into the heart of Vancouver and the car winds its way down busy streets towards the apartment building. You sing loudly and unashamedly in the car to disco or classic rock or romantic ballads, enjoying the ride while looking forward to the destination. When you arrive, he rushes to greet you at the door with a hug that squeezes the air out of your lungs in a breathless laugh. You let the tension ease out of your shoulders from the day at work, and nestle into the bed piled with blankets. You lie intertwined with your best friend and warm your feet on their skin. You feel at home when you hear them snoring, and you smile as you fall asleep. 

Works Cited

Beales, Jacalyn. “Aerial Photography of Lake Between Trees” Unsplash. 24 June. 2017, https://unsplash.com/@jacalynbeales.

Lazaruk, Susan. “Murder Mystery: The Reason Why 6,000 Crows Flock to Burnaby Every Night.” The Province, 24 Oct. 2013, http://www.theprovince.com/life/Murder+mystery+reason+crows+flock+Burnaby+every+night/9085538/story.html

Morelle, Rebecca. “Choir Singers ‘Synchronise Their Heartbeats’.” BBC News, BBC, 9 July 2013, www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-23230411.