We debate the virtues
of London at Christmas –
streets festooned with glistening lights
or Dublin –
rife with literary haunts
and local pubs,
maybe Vancouver in summer –
endless cornflower blue skies,
whales breaching off shore
or perhaps Key West –
sun-soaked afternoons
walking Whitehead Street
past Hemingway’s home.

Mid chat,
I look up
to see a Carolina Wren
settle on the bird feeder.
You follow my gaze.

Outside the sun is setting –
sherbet pinks and oranges
streak the sky.
Maybe we should
head out for a walk instead?
Two dogs leashed,
we stroll toward the river –
no need to pack a bag,
book a flight
or board an airplane…
we are already
here.

*Inspiration poem: “Don’t Miss Oout! Book Right Now for the Journey of a Lifetime” by Imtiaz Dharker