Every year

I’m reminded of why

I avoid family vacations like the plague.

 

Great big, green mountains watch with wise old eyes

As I pass through its sliced core in a cramped SUV.

 

Between being asked every five minutes if I feel sick

And walking on eggshells not to upset my driving mother

Sitting in silence outside of a South Carolina Cracker Barrel no longer felt so bad.

 

A relaxing beach getaway

Is furthest away from me than ever

while I’m sitting in the sand