I’m feeling like a fish out of water,
But not a lamb to the slaughter.
A seasoned traveler, I am not-
I’m a bundle of nervous knots.

So, I write an “essentials” list
Before I go around the twist:

* Passport and visa
* Itinerary and flight tickets
* Gifts for my charming cousins
* Kindle and books
* iPhone and iPad
* Charger, leads, and Canadian power adaptor
* Medications and supplements
* Toothbrush and toiletries

If I have any room left in my suitcase:

* Some clothes and a warm coat
* A spare pair of shoes
* An umbrella if it’s wet

There’s no space for an anthologist
What have I missed on my list?

Editor: Erynn Crittenden