she packs her bags to leave
her life somehow managed to fit
into one tiny suitcase
all her memories
hopes and dreams
in the pack on her back
and the camera bag in her hand

she says goodbye to her life
hugs her mama goodbye
tears fill her eyes
as she climbs into her car
her dad reminds her
to check her oil and water
and the air pressure in her tires
she smiles
waves goodbye
see ya next time
when i happen to come back to town

she knows not where she's going
points her car north for now
I-35 can get you most anywhere
she drives and drives
switching through radio stations
til she finds some good driving music

rain softy splashes her windshield
appropriate weather
for a lonely wanderer
something tells her to go east
it's been pricking at her subconscious
ever since the summer
east is where she'll find it
east is where she'll find him

she drives for days
stopping to sleep, eat, get gas
to take the occasional photo
she thinks maybe some of them
will be great for her portfolio

a lonely dreamer
flipping through radio stations
al lone female
trying to find her way
in a place she's never been before
all she has
is a camera and a dream
and a gut instinct leading her east

leading her home

©Aubrey Renae