Joyful Ruins

Just because I want to leave

doesn’t mean something’s wrong

It honestly just means

it’s not for me

Montana is rugged

beautiful

stubborn

harsh

I have seen the most miraculous sights

from rivers

to birds

small to big

I’ve come to feel drawn to nature

in a way I never could have

in another place

I have learned more of indigenous ways

And I’ll never be the same

I don’t hate Montana

I don’t count this time as loss

but some places aren’t meant to stay

Some seasons are meant to teach

and once you’ve learned

it is time to move on

I thank this place

this season

The people

for teaching me

for challenging me

Montana will always be a friend

it’s just not my home