House of Joy

I think of that wee house we owned
In that happiest time of all,
When love was new and enduring
And our children exceeding small.

The peacefulness of our first home
Could still inhabit those loved walls
And spread its sweet tranquillity
To all those who now walk its halls.

Does someone still wait by the gate
And a tiny face press the pane;
Anticipating the moment when
His auto approaches the lane?

The car door slams and arms enfold
And all weariness goes away.
A child laughs and a big dog barks;
He is home from his long work day.

This my prayer for the little house
That so long ago earned its way.
May only love be sheltered there
As it was in that bygone day.

By: Joyce 9/30/03