Homecoming In Shepherd's Glen Poem by Justin Gildow

I've escaped from the hospital
Which I count my blessings
As I could've been killed back there
Hopped in a truck with a trucker
Who took me back to my hometown
I've come back
Back home
Back to Shepherd's Glen

I notice, that as I walk these lonely streets
The fog that covers this town is so incredibly thick
It almost makes me think and feel paranoid

With my combat knife in hand
I walk quietly on the sidewalks and streets
Waiting and anticipating for anything to attack me

No one's out
No one's out tonight
Not at this point of time tonight
No one at all

Following the map I found
It makes it easier for me to find my way home
After being away from Shepherd's Glen for so long

I notice the landmarks and buildings that I remember from when I was young
As I make my way around Shepherd's Glen
This silent town

I've finally reached home
And the house pretty much looks the same as it did when I left
All those months ago

In the living room
I notice Mom sitting in her rocking chair
I try talking to her
About what's happened around here
And where my younger brother is
But she's so far out there
So far gone
I don't know what to make of her
She tells me that Dad went out to look for Joshua
She has a rifle on her lap
As she sits, waiting for them both to return

I tell Mom that I'll be back
That I'm going out to look for and find Joshua
I have no idea when I'm coming back
But I'll be back

Taking a steel pipe lying on the counter in the garage
I'm ready to begin my quest
My quest to find Joshua

This surely isn't what I expected in my homecoming back to Shepherd's Glen
I know that right now
I really could use a friend
I'd like to know
When things will return to normal here in Shepherd's Glen
And when I'll feel safe again
And when I'll be at peace again
In Shepherd's Glen