welcome back

such an odd sensation,
returning from whence one came
dull
not sad
empty
but not necessarily lonely,
yet.

a sobering experience
always
returning from a family holiday,
like treading water
being home gets the blood flowing
the heart pumping
all the vital organs in use
like treading water
being home is stationary yet one feels constantly in motion
it requires every bit of musculature
each appendage is called into action
and the effect can be a bit dizzying,
pulled a hundred different ways
friends to catch up with
relatives to enjoy
meals to eat
and movies to see
it really is all nothing,
nothing and everything

and then you return
always too soon
to the place that is and isn't your home
to the place that makes you feel guilty
for bringing your dog back to.