I am from a cul-de-sac in a small town,

10 miles northwest of Philadelphia, where I grew up.

It is where we watched our children grow and pursue their interests,

where I established my 40-year teaching career in Catholic education.

I am from a cul-de-sac in a small town,

where we were once a young couple with young children.

Now I am the resident living here the longest (but not the oldest!),

with a house empty but for the memories.

I am from a cul-de-sac in a small town,

where neighbors look out for each other, especially when it snows.

It is where a neighbor, whose children have long been adults,

still has a basketball hoop out front for the kids.

I am from a cul-de-sac in a small town,

where we gathered to watch each other’s children go to prom,

get married, and have children.

And now we talk about the grandchildren.

I am from a cul-de-sac in a small town,

where I hope to live out the rest of my days,

knowing this is a circle where

everyone looks out for each other.