the long way around

it takes awhile, sometimes years
but eventually you find yourself
pulled to the side of a dirt road
another tourist
lost and unwilling
to ask for directions

out of habit you reach to call
the father who died nine years ago
while you were too busy, too high
and in this moment
wish you had listened to words
he left unsaid

you find your way home again
the long way around
those familiar faces peering
from windows, but it stays with you forever
a taste of the road
in the back of your throat

© cb forrest