Home.

It's only one word. One syllable. Four letters.

It shouldn't mean very much, and to some people, it doesn't.

But to others, home is not just a place.

It is not just a house.

To some, it is a refuge: a place of peace where none of the world's cruelties can reach them. Where they can rest and laugh and live.

It doesn't have to be a house. Houses contain us, shutting out the sun.

To some, home is a riverbank: a place where you can dip your feet in the water and watch the setting sun.

To others, it might be building as tall as the heaven's, where one could watch as the world passes by below you.

It can be cave, a place to hide your worries and fears: to explore the cave, but also, to explore yourself when on an adventure.

…

So home… home is everywhere.

Home is where you think your deepest thoughts, and find meaning in your life, in the world, in existence.

Home is where your can laugh your butt off and no one will stare at you or tell you to be quiet, because they'll be laughing too.

It's where you speak your first word, and take your first step. Where you kiss for the first time or make your first friend.

Home is where you shriek as you hear thunder crash outside, but then laugh it off, because you're sure you'll be safe.

It is where you read your first book, and then read it again, and again until it completely falls apart.

It's where your parents gasp when you say your first curse word, maybe just because you want to see their reaction.

It's where you first see your best friend for life, a little puppy named Buddy, and you laugh as he jumps and licks your face.

It's where you cry so hard you start to laugh, or laugh so long you begin to cry and your stomach clenches in pain.

Home is the place you most feel safe and secure, where you can be crazy and know that no one will judge you.

Most of all, it's the place where nothing hurts and nothing is wrong. It is the place where your mind is at rest, your soul flies, your body is comfortable, and your hearts feels 'at home.'

…

Though you'd say it was cliché, there's no doubt in my mind.

Home is where the heart is, where no one is left behind.

Where the moonlight brings you happiness, your soul it truly binds.

And the rainbow smiles at you when that pot of gold you find.

…

-Katrina Gabrielle