let me take what I’ll need
I’m a creature of habit
enslaved to certain comforts
I depend on Mom’s cooking
kitchen supplies for a year
allow me to add garments
essential for chilly climes
but unaffordable
on a starting salary
I know what I’m going to miss
just don’t wanna think about it
carefree moments
old picture albums
soulful music, movies
impromptu tea parties
informal gatherings
where I can be myself
barefoot
seated on the floor, munching
on home-made snacks
let me pack all my certificates
prepare for tests to be cleared
with uncertain outcomes
calculate cost of living
and dollar incomes
I know what I’ll miss
applause from classmates
open gifts from Dad
watch Mom distribute sweets
to the neighbourhood
blessings pouring in
from all those I call
Uncle, Aunt, Sis or Bro
let me read up on local laws
prepare for hints of racialism
share accommodation
with others who are as alien
to the landscape as me
It helps-
We’ll share experience
talk about how things are
back home
-where we were
free to be
just ourselves

Thanks!
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Loved your poem!!!! 💜
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Glad you liked it, Patty! Thank you!
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I was thinking of my grandson as I read this. He headed off to a university hundreds of miles away earlier today!
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Hope he finds the dream destination he is looking for.
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Beautifully imagined Reena! 👌👏❤️ I can just picture him thinking of these things and possibilities! 👍😁
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Thank you, Ken! Sometimes, pictures take you to different realms.
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Indeed they do Reena! 💯👍 And you’re most welcome! 🙏😊😁
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So heart touching ma’am ❤️ The song is a classic 🥺
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Thank you, Aboli! ❤️❤️
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wow Reena – this is gorgeous and poignant… it really pulls my heart strings…
❤
David
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Glad you could relate to it. Thank you, David!
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beautifully expressed, Reena.
in words and song 🤍
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Thanks so much, Destiny!
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You captured this so well, Reena
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Thank you so much, Maria!
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This such a nostalgia induced poem paired with a most wonderful song Reena. Thanks for joining in. Loved both.
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Thank you so much, Sadje!
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You’re always welcome
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