Haiku – Stranger

Val, I appreciate this honest reflection from you. I have never wanted to leave the US as badly as I did when the last president was elected. I woke up with the heaviest sense of dread I’ve ever experienced. Yet when I consider leaving the country I grew up in, I falter. It’s easy, in theory, to make this sort of shift. And I would survive and probably even thrive. But one grows up in a certain culture, and the US is nothing like Scotland or anywhere else. I found, just visiting Scotland many years ago and Ireland under two years ago, an amazing difference in scale. Villages, yes, but even in cities, an earthy grounded feeling. People out walking, feelings of connectedness and community. History everywhere, in the stones, the soil, in lochs and architecture. Solid. Magical. Culture permeates culture.

I left Ireland most recently a bit wistful, but upon reflection, I realize, when given a choice, I like the wide open rangey feelings I grew up with – even in the woods and small towns I’ve chosen to live in for most of my life. I still feel liberated by a kind of alone-ness I treasure. I know the lay of the land, no matter where I travel in the US. It’s in my bones. So I hope you get to return home often, if that is your desire. Even if just to steep yourself in your familiar. Love to you, sweetie. ❤

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