For Ann...
When I moved abroad I knew making friends would be tough,
that the lonliness and quiet, at times would be rough.
True, in the beginning it was hard to keep smiling,
long-distance calls back to the States my fingers kept dialling.
But then I did make friends, like I never had before,
Bonds which proved mightier than any lion's roar.
They take care of your kids, when you are unable
and sit with you as family, at the Thanksgiving table.
Someone to share this carzy rollercoaster ride,
to tell you 'you look great' even though she lied.
So I found the hardest part is not making friends anew,
its having to say good bye when their assignments are through.
No wonder I need propping up in the month of May!
Knowing some will move to places out of reach, far away.
Oh sure, we promise each other: we'll keep in touch!
But that doesn't bring me comfort much.
Too many have come and too many have gone,
I could write you a list, but it's way too long.
So May is filled with going away parties and last minutes lunches,
one last Sunday dinner and other social crunches.
Life goes on I know, the fat lady still sings,
But I suffer the Curse of the Expat, and the sorrow it brings.
