Leaving to Arrive

Ulia Trylowsky

October 29, 2023

PART I – VOYAGE

Two families of four, flee war,

seek life away from fear.

Two families of four cross seas, 

leave secrets still untold.

Share just enough to share,

not giving after losing all.

PART II – SETTLING

Two families of four,

make homes anew and bury pain.

Share stories fragmented and gray, 

all clouded by regret.

The old want better for the young,

Trade tears for melancholy smiles.

PART III – NEXT GENERATION

The young unite and make a four,

A family so balanced well.

Old habits learned are hard to break,

And so the secrets thrive.

No need to dwell, let all alone.

Leave buried past in peace. 

PART IV – YOUNG ONES

My family is four,  

A blend of culture and of worlds.

Unlike the old yet still alike,

The best of both, I hope.

Now open to an honest way,

A life more true and unafraid.

Ulia Trylowsky is a transplanted Ukrainian-Canadian who has lived in Southeast Texas for over 25 years.  While she struggled to accustom herself to the unique qualities of the region, she now calls it home and, until the war in Ukraine, found herself to be quite a happy person.