I have moved thirteen times
in twelve years
Cities, small towns
islands
I have never felt
at home
in any of these
places
I’m usually happy
for about six months
until I start
thinking of
the action of Los Angeles
the rolling hills of Vermont
the water and romance of Port Townsend
the etc. of anywhere
but where I am
I imagine
that my problems
will be solved
if I could just
move on
Of course
It’s always a siren’s call
and when you arrive
you see that the breasts and
the thighs of the place
had been retouched
in the photos
that it’s not that
different from where
you just were
and that the
wreckage of your life
has drifted right along with you
Funny how spiritual the tug
to a physical place
can seem
Nonetheless
I’ve got big plans
A five acre spread in Maine
An 800 sq. ft. condo in New Orleans
A 6 X 3 plot in Hollywood next to
My grandfather
And then
finally
home
Photo | Rebecca Malone
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmmm yes, the right thing to do seems to be moving every 6 months …
I feel this way too… and I know it’s a farce, but the grass even *smells* greener on the other side…
boklm - I think France may be next on my list…
Brian - You got that right. And in my case I never learn. Must have some Gypsy in me from somewhere. Or maybe just the old leftover Viking blood.
800 square foot condos in New Orleans cost a fortune. So does everything else dry at the moment, but those are expensive in normal times.
I would have thought you for half of a shotgun double with a nice porch?
You’re actually right, but I’m reserving the double and the porch as a motivator to make it to 70 years old…
All right C, you may have just become the first commenting editor here at KGP.
Oh dear. You realize I’m a programmer, right?
Lovely post - reminds me of Bruce Chatwin’s “What Am I Doing Here?” and his quote from Songlines - I think that I will be happiest at the place I happen not to be.” I speak from experience when I say I believe someone who’s moved a lot is never really at home anywhere - a little piece of us is left behind, each place we live. Consequently, we’re always missing someplace or wondering about another. It’s hard to just “be” in the moment and in the place, fully committed.
Though not a real traveler like Chatwin, I get around enough for my tastes. I like the quote. It rings true.
And I don’t think I’ve ever “fully committed” to a place… maybe when the age starts coming on.
Sounds like you’re living the life over there Tara. Ever want to come back home or did you buy the one-way ticket?