Twas the Night Before Departure

Twas the night before departure, and I was in New York City.

My family members were worried, especially my sister Priti. 

While I was packing Rahul asked, "Are you excited?" 

"To start a new life?" I said, "Heck yes! I'm delighted!"

This got me thinking. What's in store for next year?

How much will I change? Is there anything to fear?

What will I do? With whom will I meet?

How hot is the weather? Can I handle the heat!?

I then made a list of goals and expectations.

I promised to leave home without hesitation.

I will learn local customs. I will teach them about mine.

I will eat Indonesian cuisine that is simply divine!  

I will learn to speak Bahasa as fluently as I can.

I will fulfill the Peace Corps mission as a proud American.

Where will I be placed? In East or West Java. 

I hope to avoid earthquakes and volcanoes with hot lava.

I will work in a school to teach English classes. 

I hope to teach well so that each student passes.

I'm sure there will be many challenges in store.

But this is an adventure; this is THE PEACE CORPS!

This isn't going to be easy. It isn’t all fun,

And I won't come out until my service is done.

Will I save the world? Most certainly not. 

But my goal is to leave a mark and to not be forgot.

I shall leave in the morn. Wish me a safe flight. 

Farewell to all, and to all a good-night! 

*Credit for poem format to Clement Clarke Moore, author of "A Visit from St. Nicholas"