Low-hanging fruit

They go so fast;

one day you’ve just arrived,

the next it’s time to pack.

 

They’re never quite as advertised;

no matter what you’ve read, or think you know,

reality bites back.

 

The weather disappoints.

You feel you don’t belong and that, however long

you stayed, you never would.

 

Troubles with language;

how hard it is to find the words that make

your wishes understood.

 

The happy accidents;

the wrong turn down a dank back street that

opens on a sun-filled square.

 

But most of all, the looking round

– this view, that sky, these friends you’ve made –

and knowing very soon you won’t be there.