But

People ask me

"Where do you live?"

I live in North Aurora.

It's near Batavia.

It's not far from Chicago.

They recognize the last one.

Usually.

"Do you like it?"

They say.

I think.

It is too hot in the summer.

Too cold in the winter.

It is rainy in the spring.

There are not enough leaves in the fall.

But

(an important word)

The summer is full of thunderstorms

and water fights.

The winter brings Christmas lights

and snowball fights.

The spring brings melting snow and green

and children laughing.

The fall brings crunchy leaves and colors.

Oh, the colors!

Red and orange and yellow and brown.

"Do you like it?"

They say.

"I love it."

And I do.

It is home.