Packing tips

a poem

Packing tips

February 15, 2026

You pack your fears. That’s what they say

regarding camping, anyway.

If you fear cold, you’ll pack for that -

warm layers for your thermostat.

If you fear hunger, meals and snacks

will fill your pockets and your packs.

If you fear ick, you’ll bring clean socks.

You’ll wash each day’s, and on the rocks

you hope they dry (you’ll hope for sun).

If you fear boredom, cards are fun.

A notebook’s good, a knife to whittle.

It’s true: these things can help a little.

And as for road trips, fill the car

with stuff, if you are driving far.

For flights, of course, you’ll choose with care -

too much will raise the baggage fare.

And far from home your bags can be

a burden, weighing heavily.

And yet that extra suit or dress

may come in handy... Ah, the stress -

You pack your fears. Yet in the end

control’s a phantom. Don’t pretend

that you don’t know it. Sure, prepare

your pack, your bag. But be aware:

Life happens. Always there’s a snag.

So next time when you pack your bag

leave out the fears. Instead, pack these:

resilience, flexibility,

an open mind, humility.

Because there are no guarantees.