Okonski & Rachel Kitchlew - Axes

Gwen’s, East Cleveland

I don’t want to forget Ohio.

I don’t want to forget how it felt to be invited

I don’t want to forget what it feels like to be recalled

I don’t want to forget what it felt like to walk into the first kingdom hall

So excited, we were 30 minutes early, as the instructions dictated.

Everyone was still setting up

In Akron.

I don’t want to forget how we had to make space on the card

and how we paid it wrong

and having to Uber across town, at 3am.

and how we were tired.

and how nothing was open

Except for Denny’s

and some place that was vilified on Reddit.

So we GrubHub’d Denny’s. I think.

It was late.

There was a Coyote in the yard when we arrived

I didn’t think they liked the city.

It was in the 50º’s.

The slats in the wind felt unwelcoming

I don’t want to forget how strange the first night felt.

And I don’t want to forget how we fell in love with Ohio City

How we walked a few niles down to Rising Star the next morning.

How crisp the air felt

How beautifully the light slotted through trees, and upon torn siding

I don’t want to forget nervous I was to be speaking Nepali again

Being around those who had spoke it their entire lives,

And yet still, called in

I mean, really,

How does one reconcile the sea?

How could I possibly put into words the feeling?

I don’t know?

and despite it all

I feel like I am

If Oliver’s Wild Geese is to be considered

Then Ohio is the chorus of faint chevron

at once and with all strength announcing

“ठाउँ”