front porch

that step still creaks
the roses still sway
and the breeze is sweetly fresh
when i touch the knob
the memories flood
of a thousand yesterdays
picnics on blankets
songs by the fire
the days my skin was less scarred
i remember your laugh
the smile in your eyes
it made everything seem alright
walks in the sunset
stories at bedtime
the taste of a pancake at dawn
the smell of your shirt
the flop of your hair
i'm seeing you right where you were
as i pause on the verge
let the thoughts fly
inanimate careless things
i can't stop the past
from sweeping in strong
but i can kiss goodbye to the hurt
so bravely i come
i'll open the door
thanks for leaving the light on