a few years ago
i found myself furious
at the lack of puzzle pieces
working their way together
at the cusp of my escape
i couldn't have known it then
but it was a subtle warning
from whatever forces knew
what was to come
that the best way to be
remembered by my town
is to linger close by
not to stay, but remain in
earshot range to where
every achievement i have
is known by the many
and not word of mouth
years later unlike the ones
who fled the country
i may not have wound up
in singapore and i don't have
fancy missionary friends
but i worked my way up
to sleepy kansas hills
and im coming home
to continue my work
i don't go home and brag
but i let them see
and let them talk
and even though they
hold in high idol the
towns jewels who ran
i stay right here and
wonder if it hurts them
how much they used to
scorn me as a child