"Try to make a few last-minute memories"
I tell myself,
before I let go of my friends, sister, family.
Each memory must be perfect,
to keep me moving forward, 
whenever I look back.

I have to remember all the little things,
my dog's fur between my fingers,
the smell of all my old books,
a flute ringing through the air.

I wrap it all up now,
before I lose myself in preparation,
before home becomes a place I visit.