We arrive
with no luggage
and leave with
none too,
so why do we
spend a lifetime
accumulating
things?

To prop up
our egos,
and relieve
our boredom,
to salve our
hurts, and
impress the
neighbors.

Within the
glorious potential
of the soul’s
quest, we lay
waste to what
could have been
for the next
new toy.

The kids
fight over the
treasures
left behind
by their parents,
thinking that the
having is some
kind of victory.

But the wounds
inflicted in the
fight for more
are baggage of
a different kind,
ones that we
take with us if
we’re not careful.

Our experiences
and loving well
are the real
souvenirs,
and as big
as those are,
they pack light
to go home.

The Trip © Susan L Hart 2023