Here, Safely

I wrote this poem several years ago, in the thick of my retail career, which found me traveling throughout New England to work at our various retail stores. Many time, it was still dark out when I left our home, and past dinner time when I’d return. Maybe you relate to similar experiences in your working life. I hope this piece helps you keep things in perspective.

Here, Safely

Dawn stretches the miles out in its gloomy glare

I stretch my neck, wishing I could already be there

Behind me, in our house fashioned into a home

My kisses have dried upon my wife’s blonde dome

Drive carefully, so softly she’d mumbled

Sweet like a child wrapped in sheets all tumbled

And her worries for my well-being hardly a secret

I assure her I’m strong, there’s no reason to fret

But mornings like this, rain spattering the glass

Cars like angry ants swerving this way and that

Do make me ponder, many things in this life

Bills to pay, why we all struggle and strife

No one can tell me where it is we’re all going

Or the reason for all of this to-ing and fro-ing

It’s depressing to think of what I cannot know

So I distract myself with work and stay on the go

Many other things I dream of to do

Writing a novel, maybe a short story or two

But I know this reality lies in the future

How far ahead I cannot be too sure

With that in mind, I drive and I drive

Hoping to make one more trip still alive

I’ll tackle the traffic and fight through it so bravely

So I can get there and text my love: Here Safely

May all your hard work lead you toward realizing your goals. You’ve totally got this!

Also, whatever you are, take care of the important things and be a good one.

-Dave