Reflections from the Front Porch -or- The World on My Side of the TV Screen If Only I Would Turn it Off

Let me post up on the porch with some good people; any time, any day. I love the clicks of dominoes being shaken for a game of bones or some forty-two. I want the air thick with tobacco smoke and laughter. The flip and slap of a deck of cards and some cold beer and some dirty jokes. I like when it's too late and you have to get up too early, and you still don't leave. Give me the times when the only time is right now and when the whole world are only the faces at the table with you. More laughs, more sighs, more conversations that don't go anywhere. Let the world look on and click their tongues and tell us to quiet down. This is the stuff of life.

I like feeling 38 and acting 16 when we're 22. I like arguing about where to eat. It's comforting to know that the night will end up at Taco Cabana anyway. I like conversations so good that you realize you've fallen behind in the meal, and know that everyone will still wait until you're finished.

Give me dry sweat, sore hands, and jobs done with tired sighs, low whistles, and hearty pats on the back exchanged in admiration of hard work. The best jobs are when people are working together on something for someone else, just because we love the same people and the same place.

I like neighborhoods with stoops and friendly waves and forbidden ditches full of adventure. It's good when people love fiercely, making family out of friends. It's perfect when love extends past date, time, and distance. Give me more reunions and surprise visits.

I like working hard enough to sleep soundly as soon as the head hits the pillow, with just enough time to be thankful for all that's good and right around you. I like things simple; hard work, hard love, and hard laughter. I'm surprised by what I'm thankful for. All things you can't buy and all things you can't live without.

I don't mind having scars and stories to tell. The world will always come up with ways to cut you, and that's how you know you're moving through it.

I love being from somewhere; and finding somewhere to come back to. I like area codes, and shouting them out with only slight provocation. I like the back way and the side road; the long walk and the early morning.

If I can have these things for the rest of my life, I can find a way to be okay with this place and be happy.