The Ride Home

​​The car is driving steadily through the dark,

Past the empty streets and the quiet park.

You’re leaning back against the cushioned seat,

While the tires hum a rhythm on the street.

The window glass is cool against your head,

As the world outside begins to go to bed.

You watch the yellow streetlights flash and go,

Moving quickly at first and then slowing down.

Moving quickly at first and then slowing down.

The journey has been long, the day was wide,

But now you’re safe and tucked away inside.

​Your eyes are getting heavy, and it's hard to keep them open

From falling into such a settled sleep.

You hear the blinker click a steady beat,

As the car turns down a very familiar street.

You don’t quite know how much further you must go,

But you aren’t worried and you don’t need to know.

The heater blows warmth around your feet,

Making the rest of you feel so soft and sweet.

You drift away while the engine deeply purrs,

As the line between the truth and dreaming blurs.

Then suddenly, the motion starts to cease,

And the humming stops to give you perfect peace.

The keys are turned, the dashboard lights go dim,

And the world feels quiet, right up to the brim.

The driver’s door creaks open then it shuts,

Leaving you in the silence of the ruts.

A moment passes while you’re lying there,

In the stillness of the cool evening air.

Then your own door opens with a gentle click,

The kind of sound that makes the shadows thick.

A pair of arms reaches through the open space,

With a look of love upon a hidden face.

They don’t wake you up or tell you that it’s time,

They just lift you up in a motion so sublime.

You feel yourself being pulled out of the car,

Under the light of one very distant star.

Your head falls back against a sturdy chest,

The perfect place for a weary soul to rest.

You’re being carried now, you do not have to walk,

And there is no need for anyone to talk.

The footsteps crunch upon the gravel floor,

Moving toward the light of the big front door.

You’re wrapped up tight in a blanket or a coat,

Feeling like a ship that has begun to float.

The door opens wide and the warmth comes rushing out,

Ending every fear and every single doubt.

Inside the house, the hallway light is low,

Casting a soft and very amber glow.

You hear the muffled sound of people you have known,

Proving that you’ve never really been alone.

They’re in the other room, their voices soft and kind,

Leaving all the noise of the road far behind.

You don't see their faces, but you know the sound,

As the arms that hold you keep you safe and bound.

You’re carried past the kitchen and the hall,

Seeing familiar shadows dancing on the wall.

Up the stairs you go, or maybe down the path,

Away from any storm or any kind of wrath.

It’s the safest feeling you have ever had,

Nothing in this moment could mean or be sad.

 Finally, you reach the room that is your own,

Where the seeds of rest have been carefully sown.

The covers are pulled back, the pillow is so deep,

As you are lowered down to stay within your sleep.

The shoes are taken off, the blanket pulled up high,

Underneath the watch of a very loving eye.

A hand stays on your shoulder for a little while,

Giving you a reason to have a sleepy smile.

You’re home now, and the trip is finally done,

The rest you’ve found is the greatest kind of won.