you have no idea what Norwegians eat
the letter comes decorated with hand-drawn
ribbons festooning the return address
on the stamp a plane flies over a church
and the words luftpost and Norge
the letter unfolds around a photograph of a family
standing in the sun on the edge of a still, vast sea
two parents. two kids
everyone smiling
everyone happy
you notice your immediate skepticism
you are young, but you are cynical
their names are Elinor (mom)
and Bjørn (dad)
and Lise (daughter)
and Erik (son)
the photo was taken at their summer cottage
on Midsummer Eve at midnight
(note: the sun is shining)
they’ve never been so excited to meet someone
they’ve always wanted to host a student
they’ve never been to the USA
they’ve always wanted to visit Disneyland
they can’t wait to find out
if you like the musical Cats
if you see movie stars in Hollywood
if you watch Dynasty on TV
if you know how to surf
if you’ve ever seen snow
if you’ve ever gone skiing