lit up

the view from the edge of the bridgewalk into the city was wondrous. she never tired of the lights glinting in the evening light. the busy-ness of the city excited her. the scents and sounds, they drew her in. this city, her city, it had enthralled her for years. 
from a time in her youth, she longed to visit. when she did. she loved it so much she moved her whole life there. she became part of the city then, but then she'd had to move away. and she missed it, longed for it again.
years later, she visited once more, it wasn't quite the same feeling. a fleeting trip through the city, a few key sights with a friend. she wanted to immerse herself there again. but she had other commitments, a life elsewhere, responsibilities. 
then again, some years passed and she visited again, this time for a longer period. not in the city, but living within access of the city. she visited a few times, not quite a part of it, but within a suburb. she loved it. she wanted to spend more time in her city again. but again, the responsibilities, even though they were with her, called to her, kept her from totally absorbing the city.
and so she left again, saddened by her departure and longing for one more outing in the city she loved. she returned the following year, for a few days this time. on her way to a new city. another city filled with friendly sights and friendly faces. 
but still, her city calls to her. she knows routes and street names. she recognises buildings and monuments. she revels in stories from her city. she surrounds herself with memories of her city.
and she will return!


~the end~