Pack my bag,
I’m going home.
Good God, I’ve waited long.
To stay away
For such a time,
Was folly … waste. Was wrong.
Reserve a room,
I’m going home.
And tell them: King sized bed.
At last, I’m off.
Alive again!
My soul was nearly dead.
Rent a car.
Convertible.
Bright red! No. make it yellow.
I’m going home.
Oh, cheer for me!
I’m such a lucky fellow.
Once I’ve arrived,
I’ll stay one night …
But then, I’ll have to go.
A week in Aspen,
Day in Guam.
And then … Well, I don’t know.
New York. London.
Panama.
And then a week at sea.
Kenya. Ireland.
Canada.
And, also Gay Paree!
Why the look
Of bafflement?
What can’t you understand?
You’re wondering
Where it might be,
My home … my Native Land.
Ha Ha. My Dear,
You didn’t know.
I see it on your face.
That home for me’s
A train. A plane.
My castle … a suitcase.
So, pack my bags,
I’m going home.
A residence is wrong.
It keeps me put
In just one place …
Away from “home” too long.
Copyright © Shelly Reuben, 2025. Shelly Reuben’s books have been nominated for Edgar, Prometheus, and Falcon awards. For more about her writing, visit www.shellyreuben.com.