Family from far away

Here, for the first time in years

With family I haven’t known

But still, family.

And I like it here.

The first vacation

I’ve actually enjoyed

So far away from my own home

Which usually I hate

Being far away

But here

I’m happy

And free

And I love it;

The big bag of saltwater taffy

The laughter from my baby cousin

Bonding with an aunt I haven’t talked to for years

Joking with my uncle

My mom’s brother

All my UNC merch,

Light blue hoodies and hats and logos,

The two Cokes I need to buy

For the two times

I’ve jinxed my guy

Who is back in

The place I left behind for a week

But still miss

Even though I love it here.

A few more days left

With new cousins

Older cousins

Another aunt-but-not-exactly-biologically

After hanging out

In this huge house

Beyond where the worst of inflation has touched

In this happy

Sunny

Little bubble

Where drones deliver food

And the AC is cool

And the thunderstorm is brief

And we are all together

With my family from far away

I am surprised

That I will actually

Miss them -

I am in paradise here,

Away from my chores and stress,

And I usually hate vacations,

But I like this.

This is my style.

I like

Being with

My family

From far away.