Travel is Still a Family Thing

time runs differently for me
there’s only so many new people I can squash into the time-frame I’m confined to
only so many new experiences to pack into my suitcase of memories

time runs slowly for you
maybe the feijoas have started to fruit
or the horses escaped again
perhaps a sail in the summer evening

you’ve had one noteworthy event this week, I’ve had ten

there’s a piece of me missing
travel has always been a family thing, and now it’s a me thing
I’m free to define it any way I want, breaking free from the memories and pre-planned holidays of every two years

I don’t want to break free.
I want you here, experiencing everything with me
because these are adventures of a lifetime that everyone deserves to enjoy
especially my family

it’s a comfort to me, that maybe 
in one way or another
you are here

the colour of my eyes, the same as dad’s 
get to see everything I’m lucky enough to see
the calm demeanor I learnt from you keeping me in the moment
meticulousness for detail in planning allowing me to do all these amazing things
your side of the family’s humour crafting the way I tell stories of home

it’s my mother’s smile that greets new faces in different places
her hospitality and gratefulness for the environment that grounds me
your love and pride in me keeping me going, even when I’m scared
how lucky am I to have you as my mother?

so even though I walk this new path alone, 
travel is still a family thing