Photography, 9.4” x 7.7”, Framed

The Distance

By Nancy Jo Allen

The distressed satchel 

rests on the granite countertop—

blue, 

and well worn, 

like me.

I have had this bag for years, 

through two marriages, 

and three degrees. 

The buckles are worn 

as are my nerves and patience—

broken, too, yet capable 

of holding so much. 

I have considered throwing it away—

too worn for Good Will—  

but every time I take it out of the closet 

I am reminded  

of the distance we—

the satchel and I have come.