Poetry Pick

HOMECOMING

by Helen Fitgerald Dougher (1911-2006)
Ontario, Canada

The welcome in the hall, the old
House creaking in a storm, the rise
Of crows in the near woods that scold
And hidden importunities
In a dark dream, a scrawling bold
Unwritten message brought me back
To the remembered and loved sight
Of things I'd known but did not pack,
To yellow curtains and firelight
Sprawling on floor and the small crack
In the blue cup. Oh, it is fine
To heed a warning in the blood
Or in the bone, perceive a sign
And find a peace scarce understood
In eyes that smile but do not scorn.


From HOMECOMING (Potlatch Publications, 1986)

 

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