We met on the airplane
Some 30,000 feet above sea level
Only I didn't know it yet
Until I was stopped at customs
And asked, "How long will you be here?"
To which I replied: "I'm here to stay."

I glanced at my suitcase
My turtle's shell
In it, my most valuable possessions
The only physical ties left of my old life
Some clothing, photo albums
Letters and cards from my wedding day
And a stuffed fox from my little brother.

And here you are
Slowly gnawing at my insides
When I least expect it
Infiltrating my mind and heart
You appear in the smell
Of freshly mown grass from Dad's backyard
In the sound of that song on the radio my best friend and I karaoke in the car
In the taste of my little sister's favourite chilled drink - bubble tea

Turning happy memories
Into muffled screams
And teardrops on my pillow
It's when I'm lonely that I receive
Your unsolicited company
Kicking me where it hurts
Reminding me how far I am...