Looking for more in Scotland's Stories?

This Home

Author: Isela Shipton

Home within,
home without.
Beyond the functional and decorative-
humble abode.

Chaos and Calm.
Mine,
my own.

Oasis of serenity
when Peace reigns.
At times Mavericks
looming over surfers.

Placid breeze or
mournful squalls.
Gentle whispers or
doleful wailing.

Friends—home.
Family-home.
Tribe!

Humble snail,
slow but determined,
carrying its shell
on slime.

Hermit crab
changing,
discarding
the outgrown shell.

Simple yurt
alone in the steppes.
Manic circus troupe
in loud striped tents.

When navigating deeper waters
floating adrift.
Remote, alone-
a Nautilus.

Not my hiraeth
longing for a past.
For my home evolves
with time.

There I lay the hat
as well as
the entire baggage
of a life time.

“No place like home”
she told the other three.
Just as well,
you may concede.

Heart, Mind, Soul-
all mine.
And this now:
You, me.

Home within,
home without.