Back to a Bang

On the airplane home a woman asked why I was teaching in Korea.

I said, "Because the kids are great and there are no guns in school."

She made a pity face and replied, 

"Oh.  No freedom?"

I had no words.

Upon landing I was greeted by this:

"Welcome back to the USA"

I thought as tweakers begged for bus money.

Three days later five students were shot in an Ohio school.

Three died before I left.

 It was surreal.

Redundantly so.

Reflection

A year ago I moved to Korea in search of a deprivation tank.

Expectations were minimal. I just wanted space to breath.

I had no interest in anything other than being alone.

What was received was beyond what I could imagine.

What was experienced was more then I deserved.

It was a home where I never thought to look.

 At times I feel an obligation to write a long reflection upon

the twelve months that brought me to myself, 

but really - the only thing to say is,

"I am new and transformed."

My life turned upon its axis.

The changes in me are most reflected,

in the people and world around me.

It is quieter, smaller

more precise.

   My drama has found it's footing,
it's cast of characters,
and the plot is moving forward.

One might say I've caught my tale,

and my breath. 

Reasons Why

The reasons why I am happy to go to bed at night.

The reasons why I'm excited to get up in the morning.

The reasons why I'm tickled to do my job.
The reasons why even a bad day is a good day.

p.s.  The only song we had control over was "Roll With the Punches".