USA to DEU

I feared 

crossing the Atlantic 

but I told myself 

it was just one ocean.

I feared 

the language. 

Or lack thereof. 

It’s German, after all. 

It’s no piece of cake 

or apple strudel. 

But I told myself 

it’s just the alphabet 

with a bit of flare. 

I feared 

the strangers, the kids,

who would definitely, certainly 

not talk to me,

a Texan, 

an American,

but I told myself

if that happens, well,

that’s how Germans are anyway. 

I feared 

the challenge 

to my beliefs

and my opinions,

but I told myself 

the mark of an educated mind 

is seeing the other side 

and still staying true

to who you are.

But most all

I feared 

not having fears at all, 

and staying in my home instead,

with my family,

speaking English,

and talking about what I knew, 

instead of learning about what I didn’t,

spluttering German,

with a different family,

and going to new places 

without any fear 

at all.