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Why backpacking sucks, and why you should do it anyways.
Backpacking, like life, is not easy –
Whatever you bring with you weighs you down
Is it worth it? How important is it really? Can you survive without it?
Going out to see the world
with your entire material world
on your back
Is it heavy?
and a world of expectations, thoughts, memories
in your mind
Is it clouding your vision?
a whirlwind of countries
capitals
historic sites
beautiful buildings
each city with its own pulse
but it can be hard to find
when drowned out by lists
Things To Do
Must-See
Top Ten
Don’t Miss
the rampant commercialism of once-meaningful places
so you discover that the pulse of a place
is people
and the way to tap in to it
is to create meaningful connections
it’s easy
Hey
Where Are You From?
then the bond is formed, immediate and unwavering
full of the excitement of being far from home
and alive
and living
but the day is over, the tour ends, bags hurriedly packed, the train leaves soon
hasty goodbyes
See You Later
a promise you aren’t sure you can keep
a new place
a new bed
new lists telling you how your experience should
Look Sound Feel
new faces
new pulse
but with every place you go
with every person you meet
you lose something
you leave a little piece of yourself
a little bit of heart behind
like a thumbtack in a map
And it hurts
And it’s not easy
And yet you keep doing it to yourself
Why?
because it’s beautiful
because everywhere you go
everyone you meet
gives you something in return
a good meal
a beautiful sunset
a bad deal
a promise not kept
Whether good or bad
it doesn’t matter
a constant exchange of knowledge
of energy
And you can always make the choice
To learn
To grow
To live
take only what you need
leave the rest behind
shed the weight like an old skin
be light and free
go with the wind
give as much as you can
fall in love
give your heart
love people and places
fully
madly
deeply
with your whole being
even when you know it will hurt you
when you know it won’t last
because in the end
none of us will.
Great ending. Your writing gets better and better.
So profound and zen. I love this message.
I love this. Thanks, Susan.
Nice poem, Susan. We love following your journey.