Coming Home from Carmel

Coming home from Carmel

in an SUV with four other women,

don’t worry about looking silly 

as you file into the ladies room 

at the Quick Stop.

Don’t bicker about dinner.

Split the check five ways.

Remember, behind the back seat

in the heap of luggage you’ll find

tarot cards and hand-knitted socks.

Remember the unspoken dreams,

spoken grief and shared vitamins.

I know it’s hard traveling together.

I know it’s hard to go it alone.

Remember, the trip ends soon.