Road Trip

The mountains loom over the surrounding scenery
Of large lakes and vast grasslands
The white streaks down the crevices of the mountains
Through the dense, dark green trees
Painting a picturesque scene
Images flash through the panels of glass,
And powerlines oscillate up and down like ocean waves
The soothing hum of the car engine,
The gentle rumble of the tires, on the long, asphalt road
All provide an ambience to the ruckus inside.

Inside the car, in our own isolated space
The energy of togetherness is trapped
My sister, brother and I in the back
Playing, laughing, munching on snacks
Then our parents play their favourite CD
And all of us burst into song
Swaying our heads like pendulums
But in this joyous, family moment
A dark, nagging thought comes:
When will it all come to an end?

My sister is leaving in a month
To pursue future aspirations
And in four years, I will also be taking off
So the realization struck me:
This is the last road trip we will have
a complete family all together
But I don’t feel sadness, instead gratitude
I don’t feel regret, instead anticipation
So I take a look through the car window
And soak up the scenic moment