I Will Always Be Your Home

I held you close that very first night

When the stars above were full of light.

A tiny cry, a breath so new

My world had shifted all for you.

I watched you grow. Each step, each crawl

With scraped-up knees from when you’d fall.

First words, first shoes, and your first love

I watched you always rise above.

We danced through years with lullaby

With sticky hands and endless “why?”.

You laughed at bugs and feared the dark.

Built pillow forts and played in the park.

I loved our snuggles in your bed

And oh, the countless books we read.

Movie nights, Disneyland

The way you loved to hold my hand.

Then came the questions, eye-rolls, and sighs

The moods that shifted with the skies.

But through each door you slammed with flair

I loved you still, despite your glare.

I cheered at games, I dried your tears

I weathered storms of teenage years.

You’d pull away, then reach back in

A war of space and closeness thin.

And now you pack your bags to leave

As I wipe my eyes upon my sleeve.

So smart, so brave, so fierce, so free

You will always be the best part of me.

I smile as you begin to fly

With tears I’ll never fully dry.

For though you’re grown and nearly gone

My love for you will still live on.

Go take the world, my love, go run

But know my arms will never shun.

And if you’re feeling lost one day

I’ll be the light that guides your way.

I knew this would be bittersweet

I’ll miss the sound of stomping feet.

Just know however far you roam

I will always be your home.

Original Poetry Written By

Eryn Dunbar

Copyright (c) 8.20.2025