Dear Cork,
How can I begin to explain how much I adore you? You've always been a place of peace, safety, joy. The comfort I feel with you, it's unparalleled. When things seem bleak, unhappy, scary, I turn to you. Cork, you've always got friends, food and laughter waiting for me. There's been so much great food eaten with you over the years, so many bottles of wine, and more adventures than I could ever relay in a letter. You've brought me joy and safety in a way I've never felt with any other city.
When I'm visiting you, I fill up on vintage shopping, book stores and crafting. I eat great food and watch old movies with old friends and new friends alike. I stay up til the wee hours having deep conversations with new friends, learning about who I was, who I am and who I want to be. So much has happened that you've been witness to, many drunken fits of laughter, sporting achievements, running a 5k in the midst of a dual-ended road trip, the list goes on, but you know that.
Then I pick up, and I head out to see the sea, down to Crosshaven, or out to Myrtleville, and I feel so small, and yet so big at the same time. Standing on the edge of the county, pink converse contrasting against the navy and grey pebble beach, looking out at the ships, there is no place on earth that I would rather be. I support two teams, Meath and you, Cork, which caught me by surprise. I'm not much for GAA, and yet I own a hoody in your colors. That's how much I love you.
When I say your name, I say it as you would, with that musical twang, with that funny accent that always makes me smile. Cork, its fair to say I cannot imagine my life without you in it, and I don't want to have to do that. No distance is too great to get to you.
I'll be back with you soon,
All my love,
Amy
x
