across

To begin
is to end with a clean break.

Move …
immigrate even!

But how do I let go
of a legacy of words?

Words … cross boundaries
cross countries
cross lines – imaginary or political.
To let go of words
and the craft of language
is to let go of skills -
learned the hard way.

Like patience
in the face of criticism.

Like perseverance
under a barrage of insults.

Like keeping a cool head
amidst furiously flying arguments.

Like the willingness
to face a fresh sheet of paper everyday.

Like creativity
that strikes at the heart of everything practical, reasonable
and common-sensical.

How can I let go
of these …
and be me?

Be disciplined
and be pragmatic
and be …
not so bloody melodramatic eh?

Poetry. And me.
Breaking new rules
in a new society.

Heh!