I was coming back.
The hills returned, shadows being cast across every crack and crevice.
The beat up Chevy,
houses with broken windows
It was like I had never left.
The sun, hot and golden beamed down on me.
The water, so reassuring, so forgiving.
tears rolled down my cheeks.
but for once it wasn't because I was sad.
I was happy.
I could see the place you and I ate those Mike and Ike's.
It welcomed me.
The black dog barreled down the dirt road to greet me.
Those same people, in their van, smoking who-knows what.
The couple standing together, watching me.
It all came back, and I knew for sure.
I was happy.