Unlikely Home

A poem about some of my experiences at college.

It's funny and weird and crazy
But, I think it always happens, more or less.
We leave our houses, families, all that is familiar
To live with people we've never met
And maybe some we have.

Things are awkward at first.
Everyone trying to feel each other out
And be nice at the same time.
It's utterly painful to watch, I'm sure,
Because it's utterly painful to experience.

And then, something happens.
Something funny or ridiculous or embarrasing.
Maybe even tragic.
Something shifts.
And suddenly, we're family.

Home changes from where our parents live,
In other cities, states, countries
To the cramped, two-bedroom
With Post-It note decorations
And carpet so old, it turns our feet black.

Those that we once hesitated to share bread with
Are the same ones
We lose precious sleep to listen to.
Are the same ones
We will now fight to the death for.

It's a beautiful thing, really.
But, it never lasts quite long enough
And the memories are soon all we have left
Of this family we share no blood with
Of this unlikely home.

Reviews

[Tony]

The imagery you use in the fourth and fifth stanzas to show the sudden break from leaving our "familiar" lives into our new rooms is really lifelike and strong. Oh yes, I like how you show the bond that takes place with strangers we suddenly live with and how even after we move on that bond or memory still lives on.

[Vampire Heart]

I think it was good. It was descriptive good job :).

[Christopher 'Windstorm'..]

this reads more like word of mouth then poetry, it is refreshing and it gives the small glimpse into life. well done

[An owl on the moon]

Brilliant, beautiful, and bittersweet! You so vividly describe the journey one takes from a childhood home to a time of independence. Wonderful write!

Craig

[doreen cyr]

is how it is and many times in life we relive this
great write
doreen

[DrumMajorPod]

I love this poem! I'm a senior in high school, and I'll be graduating in a couple weeks. I was really afraid about living with people I've never met before in my life, but your poem makes me feel so much better about it. I really like this line: "Something shifts. / And suddenly, we're family. " It's such a great line.. it shows that you can find close friends even in the most unexpected of places.

I also like how the tone of the poem changes. It starts out very sad and perhaps even longing, and then it becomes hopeful, and it finally becomes happy. How unique! I am exceptionally impressed by your work. Great job!