Requiem for a backpack

When I moved overseas in 1995, I quickly discovered I needed a good, serviceable backpack both for all my hikes in the Israeli desert as well as all my school books and papers to grade. Mom sent me a beautiful Jansport backpack for my birthday. This week, I've realized that my trusty old pack is dying.

For quite a while now, the zippers have been splitting, which makes the backpack practically useless. The straps have been separating at the top, and this week, I've discovered a sizeable hole in the side pocket. I've sent it away once to be repaired, but the damage is so extensive, I think it may be time to let go altogether.

I composed this poem today (during class) to my backpack, upon the occasion of it's retirement:

Threadbare canvas, faded blue,
Straps and seams unraveled-
Reward well-earned: repose is due
for the many miles you traveled.
Ariel Rainey5 Comments