Summer is a time for canvas beach bags, flip-flops, suitcases, long drives in sandy cars and making memories. In honor of summer trips-across the country to the lake house or across the city to the splash pad, I’m sharing my poem about a truly kind friend who left Jakarta before me and went to live in Vietnam. There are many comforts and adventures in expat life, but also unexpected challenges & confusing encounters, so this poem attempts to encapsulate all my feelings as a sweet and trail-blazing friend moved on to a new posting.
Departure
Pack linen, hope and defiance,
Catch swells, heart palms,
Gray grit thieves-
Breathe in jasmine rain.
Shoulders back, standing tall
With grace on the tarmac,
Falling into sweat-stained seats
Cucumber water on your lips,
You forgive
All turbulence.
