home

You say you are tired
But I can smell
The scent of onions you sautéed
Permeate the kitchen
And linger on your clothes
And mine
When I hug you

You say you are tired
Then you limp towards the door
When you hear the familiar sounding
Of the engine and unoiled bearings
Of a 12-year-old car

You say you are tired
Your eyes are blurry
Your joints are aching
Your muscles are weakening
Yet your love
Is stronger than ever

You say you are tired
Much like the leaky pipes
And the cracking tiles
Of a house
You made home

- Submitted and published in Englishjer’s 100/100 Poetry Writing Challenge 2017, themed Home.