Matthew Jellick A republic, separated from enveloping national chaos, Vestibule to dreams which stretch beyond the horizon. Stories painted like wisps upon a canvas, Hardened when your darkness crackles like a thundercloud. Born upon your shores, I left to seek adventure, But always returning, like that revered south swell. Your nurturing through nature begins with those waves, Lapping the shoreline to the rhythm of the saints. Differences found everywhere, celebratory in their uniqueness, Proud, yet empathetic towards each other’s deferred dreams. In your cities I see the people I have taught all over the world, Welcomed to the elixir as a distinctive ingredient of flavor. Arrivals crowded with the anticipation of joy, Viewed through tempered glass, mountains to the left of me, jokers to the right. Labyrinths of colors stacked up against an endless blue, Indiscernible where the sky meets the sea. Departures muddle emotions, left alone to discern for 15 hours, A flight away from where hope is resolute. California, I love you for everything you are to me, An irreplaceable light which penetrates the darkness. | 