from Toronto to Heathrow, flight time 7 hours and 15 minutes. then to the Maldives, 10 hours and 20 minutes. and the last stretch to Sri Lanka, 1 hour and 25 minutes. half the time it takes to get to Toronto.
leaving, Feb 21. and again, March 5.

i remember past fortnights. mosquito nets, dark nights, guiding stars, the smell of jungle and gasoline.
i remember you, as old as i am now. i remember you, patting smooth her tiny clothes. i remember you, your infatuated eyes. i remember you, your distrustful gaze.

how could i have forgotten?
mornings waking up to bird crows, momentary displacements. 19 hours air time. i cross in a blink of the mind.

i’m still arguing the same arguments with you. forever, never ending, lacing my words even now. i’m still swinging on the door frame, still waving as you ride away on your bike. the same crooked smile, the same posturing.
bright blue pants. blinding green leaves. the sharp light.

i’m coming back.