off the road

it was easy back then
to get from point a to point b.
it was a matter
of sticking out
one's thumb and standing
on the side of a busy
street. a few dollars
in your pocket, a sleeping bag,
a pair boots strapped
to your young and eager feet.
everything was reachable
then. strangers were
easily thought of as friends.
but now, the thought of
leaving on a whim
is gone. who would water
the flowers, tend to the garden,
walk the dog,
bring the mail in. who
would do the work
you were supposed to do,
how could you explain your
absence to those who asked.
better to stay put, remember
how you free you were
back then, pour the water
on the roses, accepting
this end.