observations on the return trip

the first thing i notice is
i always pack too much.
didn't need the extra pair of jeans
the three shirts, the five pairs of underwear
it would not have been catastrophic
to leave the second jacket behind.
the TUMS, the bandaids and Neosporin,
all those first aid essentials,
proved not essential after all.

after all this, it turns out
all i need
really
are contacts
a sweater
a pillow
water
a piece of fruit
toast and butter
laughter
and
someone to say goodnight to.

with these,
i decide,
on the return trip,
i could probably go anywhere.