both eyes wide.

I have never felt like a visitor in my own home,

nor as lonely in my hometown. until now.

It was never too hard leaving my family for an adventure,

never did it evoke a tear. until now.

I have become an individual for better or worse,

it makes me lonely. I miss home.

I miss the Pennsylvania creeks. the intense green of summer.

I miss knowing my family in the everyday details.

But I realize now that it is not solved by my return.

It makes me feel a bit like a stranger.

I am a different person visiting home environs.

So much of my history is carved in the dirt here.

Though now wheels have been lashed to my feet. and i roll on.

without brakes. over dirt that has hardened.

on toward what is uncertain and inconsistent.

my brakes are my bare hands, knees, and elbows.

no longer is a helmet provided.

I realize that I am the driver praying for traveling mercies,

both eyes wide.