Page 105 of The Secret to Belonging

Maura meets your flight in Oslo

buys you chocolate

three norsk magazines

a pewter troll key chain

hooks the key chain to your backpack

to remind you where you’ve been

and what you’re capable of

the pewter is cold

the edges are sharp

remember how i bawled on the flight over?

how you checked on me?

you must’ve thought i was insane

you were insane

that’s how i knew we’d be friends

she has the greatest smile in the northern hemisphere

tusen takk, you say. for everything

the loudspeaker calls your flight

don’t forget about me at college

never! she laughs

in the spirit of the great Patsy Cline

whenever you’ll be thinking ’bout me

that’s when I’ll be thinking ’bout you

you find your window seat

look out at the rainy tarmac

a tidal wave of grief and gratitude

sweeps over you

for these people who opened their hearts

for this country that welcomed you home

the flight attendant begins her speech

you understand

every word