life is a bus we board
from different stops,
at different times,
headed to different destinations.

sometimes we stand on the bus.
sometimes we sit.
sometimes we close our eyes
and lean our head on the shoulder next to ours.

sometimes we know where to get off.
and sometimes we don’t.
sometimes we’re too scared so we keep riding the bus.
sometimes we take a chance and jump off.

eventually, we ride the bus to the station.
the end of the line.
and it’s time to get off.
sometimes sooner than expected.

we say goodbye to our fellow travelers.
we see faces of sorrow
and tears of grief.

we remind them that the final destination
has always been the same,
will always be the same.

it is the journey that has made the trip worthwhile.

—

in memory of Clint who would have been 41 years old today