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Wanderlust
Stephen Benz

Once again you’re taking the long way,
fooling with the radio dial
and idly reading the signs.

Almost There! Ten Miles Ahead!
Whether ten of a hundred, you don’t care.
You’re in it for the long haul you tell yourself,
moving on just for the sake of moving,
losing yourself in wanderlust.

Last Chance Gas: Pay no heed, push ahead.
It’s the lost highway, no stopping now.
You’ll get yours farther on.

Exit Now: In a blink you’re past it
thinking nothing’s wrong,
and the road ahead empties,

a shimmering mirage where
wanderlust knows no bounds.

—
Stephen Benz has published three books of essays, including Topographies (Etruscan Press, 2019), along with essays in New England Review, Creative Nonfiction, River Teeth, and Best American Travel Writing. He has also published a book of poems, Americana Motel (Main Street Rag Publishing Co.). He lives in Albuquerque, where he teaches at University of New Mexico.

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