taking a trip

i get a room

over looking the city.

it took me twenty minutes to get

here

from my front door.

i take an uber.

pack a single bag.

i'm taking a trip.

not far.

but far enough.

a change of scenery.

i tell the clerk i'm from 

Italy,

and i'm here

writing a book

about coffee.

he points out the window

to 

one of seven starbucks

that line

the street.

i go to my room and pull

the drapes back.

i stare out at the autumn

trees.

the monuments

white and sterile in the morning

sun.

i lie back in my enormous

bed, feeling

the comfort

of the thick mattress

and pillows. the designer

sheets.

i order room service.

the breakfast special.

eggs with bacon and cheese.

then i text Betty,

and say. hey, what's up?

i'm on a trip.