I sigh as I walk into the house and drop my backpack. All the cars are here, but I don't see anyone inside. The dogs are put away, the cats are nowhere to be seen, but I spy random lights turned on while most were left off. And of course, I see the full dishwasher opened just enough to signal that it needs to be emptied. Ignoring the dishwasher, I walk to the back of the house to unleash the pups from their confinement. O...

He pulled into the driveway and saw that the realtor was already there, leaning against the door of her car, waiting for him. She smiled and walked over to his car as he parked, grabbed his jacket and stepped out. “Mr. Bradburn?” she said, holding out her hand. He nodded and shook her hand, starting to look around while she continued talking. “Amanda Williamson — Amanda.” “Please, call me Owen. I always feel weird when an...

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson said that. Ralph was so right. I’m visiting my family in Germany right now. I haven’t been back home in quite some time. I woke up at 11 a.m. But keep in mind, that is six hours earlier on my body’s clock which is still operating according to Eastern Standard time. So now my extended family...

A year after coming home..."Mommy! Mommy, my girl scout troop is walking in the parade tomorrow, do you wanna walk with us?" Kristi, 7, runs up and tugs on my shirt sleeve. Her smile is so wide and hopeful, I am conflicted in how to answer her. I know what I should say, to be a good mother, but I heard the parade here at home last year. They set it up so it's at the center of town, a good five miles from here. I should sa...

Where the salmon run And the grizzlys hunt In the rivers, crystal clear Where the grey wolves run Under midnight sun And the winter's always near Where the woods are deep Ancient spirits sleep Caribou and elk still roam Since you're here for me That's the land I see Every time I think of home

(All of the "If You're Reading This"s comes from the song titled "If You're Reading This" by Tim McGraw. The letter was inspired by that song and "Letters From Home" by John Michael Montgomery as well as "I'm Already There" by Lonestar and "A Soldier's Memoir" by Joe Bachman).The plane touches down and Jennifer stands when the other passengers do. Within this plane, at least, she seemed to be equal- the same as every othe...

As we lay together under the stars at night... We have waited so very long. .I feel the touch of your fingertips Now I know I finally belong... Our past, present and future starts now. Our first kiss, our first fight The first time my soul reaches out for yours. The first time you smile and we laugh out loud. To hear you whisper my name so tenderly on your lips. As you look into my eyes and I see the need of love so deepl...

Young man far from home In a unkind land fighting a war he doesn't understand The night blooms with mortar rounds thundering in the distance  Beat of his heart a ragged staccato against his ribcage Pinpricks of gunfire like fireflies in the gloom Rumble and jingle of war's machinery grate against his nerves Boyhood friend beside him cold, silent and stiff Eyes staring to a distance homeland His journey done Alone in this...

During the long ride home sleep still escaped Tina so she kept Kat company while she drove and Val slept. "Ya know kid, you have some decisions to make," she started. "Decisions?" "Are you going to keep up at this?" "I was planing too, there will be new problems though." "Such as?" "School starts in a few weeks which means no more working out during the day." "There is always after school and on Saturdays and Sundays," Ka...

As requested Texas Jack and his shotgun collected Miss Holly and her brace of luggage around Noon and then drove non-stop until they reached the Wells Fargo station. They hitched a team of fresh horses and then continued on until they reached their destination around 10:00 PM. They offered to carry the luggage into the house but she said the porch would be fine. She then thanked them and watched them depart. She felt the...

Ken left Miranda's house around 10:00 am and they both noted that the Harley started on the first try with no problems. She then cleared away the breakfast dishes before she stripped the sheets off the bed and put them in the washing machine with a few other items.Back in the kitchen as she finished the coffee Ken had made her mind replayed the recent events. The bike had started after their brief breakfast stop and they...

This poem only available on Stories Space. If you are reading it elsewhere, it has been stolen.So bright the birch leaves on my lawn,So soft their drift in weak sun's blaze;A spark of flame on Autumn's breath,Now damping down with faerie glaze.I scuff my boots through pixie tracks(The little gits keep sneaking throughMy lovely lawn, all dew-bejewelled;I wish they wouldn't, but they do).Behold! What's this? A mushroom huge...

I hear you calling my name, But I can’t come home to you. I feel the wind blow across my plains,It’s calming my fears. I listen to the river tell me its tales;It’s soothing my soul. Under these starry skiesMy thoughts are of you. Remember me like I used to be.Remember me when my soul was still free. I’m ready to follow the voiceThat’s calling me home. Sound the bugles for me.I’m coming home. 

It’s been two years since I’ve been home. I’ve always had a place to live, but it’s been two years since the place where I live has been my home. The strongest desire of my heart is to feel like I’m home. I’ve struggled to make the places where I’ve lived into homes, but was resisted by controlling people. Now I feel tired and depressed. I feel like there is no reason to care about anything. For many people, home is where...

An angel watches over me.Knowing all about who I be. Never, am I far from her sight.Though dark, she is always trite. Her gaze I can't prevaricate. Indiscretion she does mitigate. Always welcoming me back.As I venture into the black. Stretching out her wings to me.Color of coal and singed they be. Offering a hug and a snide word. Angel's vision is never blurred. She knows my darkest secrets.She knows my deepest regrets. S...