What a Suitcase Can’t Carry

a suitcase can transfer a life from one physical place to another-

belongings wrapped up in its cold, shiny plastic cover

but I fear what a suitcase can’t carry

the first laugh you shared with your best friend here

or the first time your knees scraped the ground when you flew off your bike onto the street outside your front door with your dad

or the first time you picked an apple off the tree you planted as a kid - look mom! the seeds grew up like me!

and a suitcase can’t carry the way you felt

the first time your mom told you that dad was moving away, and that you guys were going to get two toothbrushes now, for two amazing places!

the second time you brushed tears from your eyes when school started meaning more than just a place to see your friends, and carrying more than just happy memories

the third time you took your permit test and finally passed, which left you sitting in the car staring out the window, and wondering how your bike pedal turned to a gas pedal

the fourth time your sister burst out of your room and slammed the door so hard you could feel the air push you back in defeat - she was past the years of always smiling up at you with nothing but awe

the time tears streaked your new makeup as you begged not to move

-and begged and begged and begged and begged

one 

two

there

four

five times

and again and again and again

because a suitcase can’t carry your life, but now you’ll have to carry it to your new one