ride away and bloom [poem]

it takes a certain kind of emptiness to just leave
to pack up and stop making your home in
a familiar place
your feet get restless
tapping out a rhythm that demands
movement
travel
change
I know it’s harsh
tearing up your roots to replant yourself in better soil
but let’s face it
that emptiness is dry clay
wilting your spirit slowly as you
life-starved and listless
go dormant in the harshness of the southern sun
you need to play dandelion fluff and
ride away
let the winds carry you to richer soil until it’s safe
to set down roots again
and bloom