She’s New In Town

I’ve just arrived at the airport in New York.

I’ve been traveling solo for five months,

and, believe it or not,

I’ve noticed that I’ve changed.

No way!

As I look at myself in the airport mirror,

I say, Who’s that hot lil’ cutie?!

As I look at the sea of books in the store,

I choose fiction, not another self help book.

As I look into my eyes in the reflection,

I see a different person.

I see a person who has met hundreds of people,

walked hundreds of kilometers,

learned a new language,

started drinking tea,

learned to like olives,

fell in love,

swam naked in a river,

slept on the ground outside,

uncovered a passion for baking,

learned to take care of herself,

and found out more of who she actually is.

I’ve discovered parts within me

that have been hiding for years.

She’s new in town, folks!

It’s no wonder I feel surprisingly comfortable here at this airport

with my Virgin Mary necklace that I got from a nun

and the same shirt I’ve been wearing for two months.

I’m comfortable even in a place like the U.S.

that’s so expensive, judgmental, and conditional,

because I’ve met her

and I keep meeting her

again

and again

and again.