Departure

Blankly staring 

Empty house all around me

Walls that were once decorated lovingly

Photographs of travelling 

Memories that were cherished fondly 

Now, blank walls staring 

Back at me 

Once filled with laughter and chatter

Now, only monotonous time ticking

Loud and steady heart 

Monotonous flutter 

White bare walls 

White pale knuckles 

Gripping and clenching 

Luggage wheels on the wooden floor

Entryway and exitway 

Cherished ones passing in and out 

Now, the one that will see me out

On my way

Blankly staring 

Empty house all around me

One step out, that same exitway 

Puts a stop to all the worrying 

Temporarily

Travelling alone? They asked me

Giving a nod in reply 

Empty non-place of liminality 

People and their luggage passing by

Transitional and transformative 

In-between and empty 

Liquid light spills on the horizon

Morning sky bathed in warmth that lightens

A new day 

My way, hazy and uncertain

Luggage wheels on the way

Passing the gate

---

Cover Photo by Maria Tyutina.