By Mark E. Smith
When I was seven, my mom moved my brother and me into a friend’s garage. It was no mirage. For those few days, I felt homeless and helpless, useless and restless. It’s what happens when the rent’s not paid.
It was scary. Scars that I buried. And, now the chicks wonder why I focus on career and my daughter? Priorities straight, bills never late, and as for a date, they come and go like an occasional snow – storms in the night. It works, but is it right?
In business, I’m bustling. As a writer, I’m hustling. And, as a father I just try to do what’s right. I get done what needs to get done by day, but forever toss and turn at night. See, when we think all heals, again spin the wheels, reminding us of our original plight. Have you known such inner fight?
Work may seem an addiction, but paranoia is the affliction, getting as far from that garage as I can.
But, now I own my own, attached to a house. Dinner on the table, life turned into a fable, and my daughter sleeps soundly at night. I’ve penned books that tell stories, take stages in the glory, and look forward more than back. That’s right.
With a garage as home in your past, it’s always going to linger and always last. But, at some point I realize my past is so far. And, a garage is a garage, just some place for my daughter to park – her car.
PowerchairDiaries 
wow…excellent verse…and brave
It’s too bad you didn’t happen to live in a garage space converted into a living space. I’d wonder if you guys tried to spruce up the place while there. I can’t imagine telling a friend to stay in my garage over the floor in my home though. Or a couch or bed if I could spare it!