My Homeland Calls Me Home (Memorial Day)

Affection and duty say go,

but I know better and just stay

in this beautiful land of smiles

that has given me peace and joy

and yet another chance at life.

Still, in the soft, glowing twilight

a world away and more in time

the rice fields reach to the west sun

that’s setting so far, far away.

FG 2/26/2014

In writing back to Joan Konieczny who asked if I was ever coming home, I said I often feel the pull of affection and duty, but doubt I can ever make that trip.