Obrigada

The day after my birthday found me 

on a series of planes

and in a series of airports,

flying overnight to a far-away land.

After a most refreshing shower

in this rather old and quite deep tub,

and amongst a series of episodes in which I slept like the dead

in the sunshine streaming through this window,

I settled on this cozy little bed, because I had work to do.

I was in Brazil, you see,

being shuttled around on this bus,

for a conference 

and connecting

with Early Childhood Music experts

from over the world.

And the work I had to do was because some how, some way, 

I myself have become a part of this crew,

and had some things to say.

I told those gathered all of the interesting things I've been finding and thinking, and gathered up their questions and thoughts too.

And then, just when I'd gotten used to speaking in Portuguese and putting my toilet paper in the bin next to the toilet, 

I found myself in a pre-dawn taxi

for a day spent

 in a series of planes,

and in a series of airports,

on my way to home.

And for this journey of a life I get to live, I say:

Obrigada, indeed.