Way Stations

each place has its graces

animals outside the doors

natural light, flowers & trees

hiking & biking close by

& each has faults — old stove

or no stove at all, lumpy bed

stiff sheets, too steep stairs

windows that don’t open

doors that don’t lock, damp

& decrepit sofas, lamps

too dim to read by, a copper

sink that doesn’t drain

so many tchotches, dismal art —

when a rental ends

I’m always ready to pack

load the car, load the map

head for the next stop