My walk slowed to intention’s pace
At the international airport.
But it was too late to refund the tickets
To the land of drug trafficking and street violence,
Police inaction except in corruption,
And contempt for the relics and progeny of European invasion.
But I’d never felt such unaffected acceptance
Or happened upon such passion to learn and predilection to teach.
I almost turned around at the metal detector
When I saw the hard-faced guard.
Billy club in one hand
And a sneer in what could have been a pretty voice.
And when I saw you behind glass handcuffed to your shame,
I knew that I’d never seen such
Patent remorse,
Refutation of pretension,
And will to live.
I was intimidated
By a bad rumored neighborhood.
Eyes from the windows and around the block
Glared into my white face.
And projected suspicion and mistrust
Onto newcomers.
But I’d never had so many people
Watching my back.
And I’d never seen
so many people hugging.
I was so nervous
Walking into that nursing home
Of craggy grins, drooling mouths, and drooping eyes.
Wafer bodies and wrinkling hair
Antiseptic corridors with hard green carpet and
Remiss hope,
Lost minds,
Deferment of death.
But I’d never heard so many people
Speak the stories of life with such vibrance
Or foresee the future with such promise.
earthslang 