arthur russell plays.
the line made me aware
that my hands were on the wheel,
retrieving the baggage we left behind.

warm wishes and sweet goodbyes with strangers,
you scream out the rear window with confidence.

i once again remember that
it's hard to feel this close to people
when they aren't sharing the beat
of my dying car speakers.

i love you.
and you.

and couldn't be more happy
to finish that bottle
as soon as
we get
home.