baggage

i carry my past like baggage for a weekend getaway to

Big Bear Lake

the hurt, the heartbreak ––

invisible scars forever etched on my heart

Suitcases

full of questions, dreams often intruded

Suitcases 

full of self loathing, trust in others now polluted

i carry these wounds like baggage for a month long trip to 

Europe 

the wasted tears, lost years ––

closure, nothing but a mere illusion

Suitcases

full of lies and empty promises

Suitcases

full of jealous threats, bruised by their dominance

you carry your past like baggage for a cross country move back 

                                     East

                     the regret, the acceptance of what was

fearful you’re now unworthy of love

Suitcases

full of healing and saying no

Suitcases 

full of time and letting go

we carry our past like baggage, 

resistant to be open, for fear of being heartbroken

          the silence, the quiet –– 

                a mutual acceptance unspoken

we carry our broken hearts like baggage

strapped to our backs, weighing us down

the new, a second chance —

carrying each other's load – in hopes we don’t implode

Suitcases

become backpacks making room for exciting conversations, a newfound appreciation

Suitcases

become backpacks allowing room for butterflies and everlasting elation

shared baggage means

together facing the unknown

shared baggage means

our hard things no longer being weathered alone