you’re not from a place
until you leave the place
only then
does it become true
when the familiar scenes
you’ve loved and
known
you find others
never knew
you’re not from a place
until you leave the place
only then
does it become real
when the quiet bench
in the secret spot
is no longer yours
to feel
you’re not from a place
until you leave the place
only then
does it become clear
that the memory
of trifles had
turned
into something
you hold dear
you’re not from a place
until you leave the place
this, I
learned too late
because once you’re from
a second place
there’s no refuge
you can take