Once on This Island

(With thanks to prima guapa Rachel)

From Boston to Hyannis and 

Across then across the water 

To the island of Nantucket.

I’ve been here in the summer, late spring, and winter,

I’ve seen soft pink roses climbing up the trellises and walls

I’ve seen icicles dripping off the picket fences

I’ve been here before it’s warm enough to swim

And hot enough to brave the chilly water.

I’ve cycled down to the beach

And sat on the warm sand

And fed myself hot chips,

I’ve sat on the deck at the brewery 

When the sky was bright blue

And the sun was warm

And the local wines were flowing.

I’ve sat in the Bean when the weather outside was biting cold and played Scrabble and drunk hot chocolate,

I’ve sung in the church choir at Christmas

And stood in my tita’s impossibly tiny kitchen and 

Learnt to bake American style Christmas treats, 

Sugar cookies, lemon love notes and chocolate truffles 

I’ve built gingerbread houses covered in candy 

And danced the chicken dance on New Year’s Eve.

I’ve walked down Main Street countless times

To the beautiful home of my Titos de Nantucket.

I’m not just a mainland tourist

I’m family,

And the familiar (haha!) lovely welcoming warmth of it

Is comforting.

The island may seem idyllic, 

It is indeed beautiful,

But being here over several visits over the past few years

I know it is a place where people live their lives.

There is joy and heartache and work and life

Just like any other place,

But today I sat on the wharf

With my book

And I watched the boat ferrying my prima back to Boston 

Head out of the bay

And I sent her a message to remind her to throw two pennies overboard

To ensure she will return

And the sun was warm

And the water was shimmering

And I smiled my thank you to the beach

That I can be here

And feel like I’m ever welcome 

To share in the magic of the island

The end.