The first bird is singing
her morning song
Or her mourning song,
I know her not
A little Toulousaine.
She brings me melodiously
Into the day
In this country I love
In this city that shines
On the river Garonne.
Her full-throated greeting
Is calling me home
With a trill with a note
Solid and strong
Deep and long into my soul.
Flying off to a distant branch
Her song fades away,
And my heart it will stay
In this country of France
Where my story unfolds.
As the morning darkness was brightened by these cheerful notes from a bird I don’t know, as I know all the birds and birdsongs in my woods, I was aware that I will be leaving on Saturday to return home to finish my preparations for coming back here to stay for a much longer time. There is, once more, a mixture of joy and sadness inside me (like the mourning song, perhaps?) as I ponder selling my house; my furnishings, some I’ve had since childhood; selling my cute little Honda Fit that I have so enjoyed driving; and, in a sense, becoming unattached. I am aware of how much my identity has been wrapped up in my house, my work, my lifetime as a Maryland resident. I have been complimented on my décor, my choice of colors and fabrics, the openness and play of light throughout. My work as an acupuncturist these last 25 years has, also, been a source of identity and pride in having chosen, at the time, a path ”less traveled” and it has, indeed, “made all the difference.” The healing relationships I have had with my patients with whom healing happens more profoundly through trust, and confidence and vulnerability…the very reasons friendship with patients is discouraged…has been a gift I will carry with me always.
Soon, I will be a traveler, an adventurer, a stranger in a foreign land. Different language, different customs, different rules and ways of being. This old dog will be learning new tricks every day. So far, the experience has been intoxicating and expansive. I may at times feel ungrounded. And it is you, dear readers, these writings, and the knowledge that home is truly wherever my heart resides, that will keep me planted throughout my journey.
So, thank you to the little bird this morning that reminded me we all have a sweet song to sing us home.
French a-Musing 
Dearest Kate. Your beautiful words describing experiences that I have myself, lift me up and bring me great joy for you. Thank you dear friend and I hope to visit with you when you are back in Maryland soon. Safe travels always. Dede
Keep the writings coming, Kate. Love your poems and your posts! Please call when you come into town, would love a quick visit if you have time. Safe travels :-))
Sending hugs! When I get home, I have to hit the ground running – moving totally out of the house in 3 weeks, settlement, applying for visa, sister coming, etc., etc….will certainly let you know if there is time for a visit! Hope so and am a little panicky!! I will be having a big home furnishing sale on the 25th, too, and a garage sale at the same time. I will be back sometime mid-year here…have to have eyes checked, etc. Love to you and Fred!
Beautiful Kate….can’t wait to hear all about it! You are on the path!
Enjoy, safe travels.
Take time, and love life (which you are doing).
🌞🌻🌞🌻🌞🌻🌞🌻🌞🌻
Kate,
I hope all is going smoothly for you as you take care of business in Frederick before the official move to France. If you don’t have time to talk before leaving again, know that I’ll be thinking of you fondly and continuing to follow your wonderful, poetic blog.
XO ~ Patti
Kate, I thoroughly enjoy living your experiences vicariously, especially since you write so well– you fledgling poet, you! From your entries, I assume that you are now in Frederick to tie up the loose ends before returning to Toulouse at the end of the summer. I remember well those final weeks before heading to Ukraine, particularly rhe first time. Know that both Jimmie Lou and I are with you in spirit, rooting for you from afar. Cheers, Peggy Walton