East Of

After I stepped east of the Park, I traveled a great deal.

There were many reasons, falling in love with a career oriented partner, my own love of adventure, and finally the realities of life and the eventual need to follow our offspring,

Therefore, I learned to pack and do it well. There was always the one good black dress as well as the necessities of life, meds, toothbrush et al.

Now on this final trip I need not pack, and I am uneasy for several reasons,

I suppose to be quite honest because this time I travel alone. There will be no one to sit next to me on a plane, or hold my hand when we take off or if there is unexpected turbulence.

And I have no reservations.

I know not the time nor the hour nor the flight location.

I don’t believe I am afraid.

Perhaps uneasy would be the better word.

However, neither am I complacent. And I cannot deny just a bit excited.

I expect to reunite with the one I miss the most.

We haven’t spoken since he left more than a decade ago for his final journey.

Still sometimes when the sun is shining and I walk alone, I feel the warmth of his hand almost like wings of the proverbial elusive butterfly.

Often when I am in that Neverland between sleep and awaking, I believe I hear him whisper softly in my ear.

I question why I can’t see him when he is so close. I know that question is not easily answered,

Although there have been no promises, I do hope he is waiting as I am, for my final journey east of the Park.

And I know I need not pack, not even the good black dress.