Kala–where?

Here I sit in sunshine on my new balcony
A newly minted grad student of music therapy.
Toasting my beginning with one of Dad’s home brews
Feeling bewildered and elated for my first day of school.

Thanks to Mom and Dad, Kevin and JP,
Erin, Lisa, Jessica, Sam, Brian and Suzy!
I couldn’t have moved without you, nor your brains and brawn
Not a dish was broken, nor a box left on the lawn.

After a week back in Chicago to tie off the loose ends,
Farewell parties, birthday breakfasts, and tlc with friends,
I arrived in Michigan last night with a flourish, as you’ll see,
For my car didn’t make the journey, just my stuff and me.

We three had packed my car all up, tetrus on our minds,
And with some frustration, affixed my bike to my car’s behind.
But in the process of the rigmarole when Mom tried to pop the trunk,
She inadvertently popped the hood, and therein lies the funk..

We kissed, we hugged, we said goodbye and I went on my way.
10 minutes on the road, however, I met with a delay.
My hood flew up, caught the wind, and overextended it’s reach
It smashed into the windshield with a crash, a bang, a screech.

All was well in health and heart, but my car was out of commission.
Dad pried my hood back down again, and Mom went to confession.
We transferred all the goods into Dad’s fancy car,
But fishing glass out of my foot took half an hour more.

Undeterred, I set out again, to Michigan I was bound,
And I understand completely why Dad keeps this car around.
I cruised in style—smooth and quiet—with an air conditioned seat,
And finally I arrived, aching to fall asleep.

But not until I made six trips up three flights of stairs,
Lugging plants and instruments, and sweating through my hair.
Nevertheless, I’m happy to be “home,” and I’m settling in quite well.
After my music theory exam tomorrow, we’ll see what I live to tell.

But I now reside in Michigan, a town called Kala-where?
Kalamazoo it is, my friends, and I’ll expect you there!