My aunt’s house was the heart
Of my whole childhood.

Playdates and birthdays,
Arts and crafts,
Playful, happy, creative. 

Most of all, I remember
Warm and cozy holidays spent
With a full house, full family, and
The best casseroles you’ve ever had.

We always had a movie night
After the big feast, whatever
The newest big thing was.
Us kids could hardly sit through dinner.

My heart aches now for
The puppy piles of cousins and siblings,
Tired after the meal, but
Fighting our heavy eyelids so
We didn’t miss the ending. 

Now, the heart of my childhood
Is all but shattered, with
All those times a fading memory.

If only we could’ve worked it out,
Before it all crumbled.