Empty Suitcase
A poem by Melanie Civin Kenion

Empty Suitcase

In my baggage I carry 
broken dreams, 
wishes unfulfilled,
hopes for more. 
Empty promises, 
mistakes repeated.
Regrets,
sorrows, 
excuses.

I rest the suitcase on a scale 
to see if it weighs too much. 

I add, 
rejection from a man I love, 
friendships ended,
gossip. 
Cold shoulders. 
I roll them up like socks,
and stuff them into the corners. 
Pull off old airline tags,
remembrances of the past. 

There is room for, 
alibis, 
apologies. 
White washing.
Extenuating circumstances.

Indulgences.
Back tracking.

Unhappy endings. 

I sit on my suitcase,
zip it up, 
and leave it at the door. 

About the Author:

Melanie Civin Kenion is a retired teacher living in Boston.  When not writing poetry in the wee hours of the morning,  she enjoys people watching from her terrace, craft cocktails, and adventure travel. 

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