arrival (09.september.2023)

something in the air felt different upon landing

i wonder if perhaps there's a quiet understanding

that this is the first time we're here, not exactly as tourists

it's time for an initiation

we'll be sticking around for a while

i can't imagine having a conversation with a place

but that's what it feels like

the trees are whispering okaeri

and me, nervous to utter tadaima

for fear that i actually do mean it