Strange Places
by Tina MacNaughton
Home may be a castle
a hospital, a prison
it may be a wasps’ nest
or the gentle warmth of a
mother’s breast.
Home may be a ship on the sea
a tent on a ridge of ice
it may be a gypsy wagon
that roams a country, yet keeps
home close.
Home may be the curl
of the neck of a sleeping swan
home may be the tiniest shell
it may be the edge of a hard rock
deep within an ocean’s heart.
We find homes in strange places
a doorway, a park bench
a subway, a seaside shelter
with a pet for company
and comfort.
Inspiration: I am interested in the concept of home and belonging. Home may be temporary, challenging, safe or difficult, but we all find one somewhere – even if it is a bus shelter. The poem calls us to respect homes of all kinds and to accept that they may be temporary in a rapidly changing world, yet sends a positive note that we will find a way.
Tina has written and published a collection of poetry, On the Shoulders of Lions, and two illustrated children’s books: ‘How the Elves Rescued Christmas’ and Santa’s Still Asleep! (WriteRhymes). Her novel, Delphy Rose, is being published by Matador and will be available in Spring 2023. She can be contacted via her poetry website.