Page 107 of The Secret to Belonging

(you must be going mad)

what’s left of your mother’s hair

sprouts in spiky patches

the lung of a ventilator breathes in time

like an inflatable clock

you learn another new language

hypodermis

intravenous antibiotics

debridement

hyperbaric oxygen therapy

skin graft

cosmetic reconstruction

when the doctors talk statistics

you tune out

gaze at the TV

pretend you’re a translator

at the United Nations

translate Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud

into Norwegian

until your father interrupts

says it’s time to go

Rotary-wife Jeanine appears at the hospital

so, so heartbroken for you

hopes you won’t hesitate to reach out

gives you a brochure called “Reverse Culture Shock”

Reentry can be the biggest challenge of the entire exchange experience. You have changed. Your family has changed. You may feel you no longer belong. Be aware of unrealistic expectations, and exercise patience with yourself and loved ones.

your family has changed

like looking in a fun-house mirror

distorted

demented