(From the Sunday Scribblings writing prompt: Ticket)
"She's got a ticket to ride..." The Beatles
in a coffee cup
on my dresser
i finger through
the small scrapbook of my life
tickets saved
through the years
that tell a story
of sorts
The Places That Shape Me
Events That Gave Me Joy
there's a bus ticket
from New Jersey
to New York
my first long bus ride
alone
16
travelling alone
to see you
you who received me
with open arms
we went to the Fair
and rode the Viking Ship
you laughed at my horrified face
from the ground below
on our way out
we linked arms
as if a family
and sang a silly song
the ink on the bus ticket
is faded
but I can still see
the destination
those moments
imprinted forever
on my heart
and soul
there's the ticket
to Dan Fogelberg's concert
my brother and his girlfriend
treated me that night
my brother not too crazy
about the acoustic
whispery-voiced music
but he went for me
or the Kenny Rogers concert
he took me to
when I was 12
and I embarrassed him
by running down to the stage
and asking Kenny
for a kiss
it was my birthday
I didn't get a kiss
but I never forgot
that night
just him and me and Kenny
and there's Springsteen
and Garth Brooks
and Mary-Chapin
when I was older
Sesame Street Live
when my little girl
swooned when Big Bird
came out onstage
tickets to Graceland
and the Tupelo Tour
images of my girl
kneeling at the King's grave
in the rain
Broadway shows
The Color Purple
The Lion King
or Les Miserables
getting lost in music
stories of hope
of overcoming
of being able to fly above it all
a cup full of tickets
that tell a story
My story
a story of a life
filled with music
wonder
adventures
and joy without boundaries
little pieces of paper
that draw a map
of where I've been
and where I hope to go
I keep it on my dresser
by my mirror
to remember
and give thanks
for the journey.
