A sense that all will be alright,

embracing dark

and flighty light,

both,

I feel the pull of what’s next

while reminded this day holds an eruption

of plenty.

Thoughts of the land left behind,

dry and bright,

while embracing this homeland holding my heart

fifty years on–.

Arms of coastal oak and madrone hills wrap

around this ever-feeling heart,

salty ocean spreading her legs wide in love of the granite shore.

Hardly believing the strong welcome back,

I drink a bitter beer in celebration.