Going to be traveling this weekend to attend some celebrations.


Carry-On

Experience says I should be able
to check in to my flight,
to affirm my seat and baggage.
If only they knew
the baggage I’m carrying.

A weekend trip of celebration
is heavy with the weight
of unspoken trauma.
If only that baggage
could be left unpacked.

I’ll have to carry it all.
Security doesn’t catch
the insecurity I feel;
the metal detector
doesn’t flag a ring long gone.

The gate looms before me,
the waiting room of a memory
where pain made a hard landing.
Upon arrival, let my heart
guide me to the exit marked joy.




Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2026-05-27 at 20:52

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Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
Wow, two amazing poems back to back! The conceit here is so refreshingly modern but handled with all the poise and power of a classical poet, a la Donne. The detail and the tactile imagery is what elevates this poem for me. And the ending! Bravo bravo bravo.
2026-05-28