A house is built

By men who love

And men who are lonely

Men who rove

With eyes and hearts

And men who are steadfast,

Valiant and careful

As working days passed.

A house rises from a foundation

Of cold stone, of unfeeling wood

A frame with sharp nails

Rough beams fixed and roofed

Old house, new house, big or small

Decorated, plain, fancy, blank

All begin in parts nondescript

All kin to the framer's plank

And prey to the realtor's whimsy.

But, when love moves in

Cold walls warmed with pieces of memories

Laughter of children brings its light

And brightened still by loving parents

Eyes warm with caring for each other

Hearts lending their souls to concrete and wood

These are the foundations of the true home

These are the frames and planks that should

Bring peace across the threshold

A house transformed

Rising from stone warmed with happy feet

Beams fixed in gazes of thoughtfulness

Decorated with hands gentle and sweet

Paradise built from a hovel

Bliss formed piece by piece in the dark

A candle of love lights eternity's flame

Peace and music and a garden walk

To give fullness to empty rooms

Where love blooms.

-1990