I won a trip for two to the Bahamas

The congratulatory call, the photos of crystal waters on a screen

Made me stall like a comma

But not like you’d think

I don’t want to go

Neither does my selected guest

We truly believe being at home is best

I ran over the bridge this morning as the sun rose

The water below was dark

I’ve chosen to remain in this place my parents chose

Half of my life could be over, who knows

I like to think I’m leaving some kind of positive mark

Last night I won a board game with some long-time friends

I told my husband it feels good to win

We shared homemade soup and pretzels

I passed on the brownie cheesecake

The night was sweet enough

I went to bed around 8

A cozy Golden retriever slept beside me in the bed

Even better yet, my husband of 10 years

We all played disc golf today in the park

The orange leaves and the sun, good company

All warmed my heart

Driving down the road in a minivan

At 18 it’s not what I would have planned

Such magnificent simplicity

I get to go to work tomorrow, hopefully help a few

For now, on a Sunday, I sit and watch the view

Dried crepe myrtles in the breeze

A sleepy Golden retriever at my feet

Some restless squirrels

It’s funny how these things bring felicity

Sure the water’s darker here and I have to get my own drink

But this place is a pearl

I don’t want a margarita or an umbrella

I don’t want a purse-size dog or some other fella

Don’t put me on an airplane

Don’t sign me up for your resort

I’m not another one in your cohort

As far as I’m concerned, I’ve already won the game