New Mirage Journal

Ticket Home

She will purchase her way to Egypt, show us the ticket,

talk of her thrill at finally seeing the pyramids

reaching skyward from death.  Or

she may drive all the way down to Mexico to witness

a new angle on the sun and see what ruins

the Aztecs left behind.  Or

she may insist on crossing Ethiopia or Peru, just to count

her blessings.   Or she may visit Italy, confessing an intent

to study emboldened men.  Whatever

the christened trip, it will have purpose, a well-

defined itinerary, and will be

extended.  She will plead

her need for solitude; we will understand, bid tender

farewells, a little damp this round.  We will

wish her what she asks:

a weathered traveler's peace and wisdom, and time

always for one more jaunt.  She will leave

her home immaculate, ordered,

all supporting papers filed, lawyers sworn to hold

close until the end the light of rotting cells

and living wills, while she is

or is not watching sand shift under the weight

of triangular tombs, or exploring ruins on

overheated afternoons, or singing

with love-struck men, or giving away her blessings.  And when

she does not return, we will wait by the phone for

the news, and smile wetly at such graceful drama.

~DJ Gaskin