Problems

Despite our escape attempts,
They reside neatly
In the corners
Of our tightly-packed suitcases.
Occasionally,
They receive several folds
To optimize space
For more,
Without us knowing it.
Some could stay at home,
But they’re almost essential,
Like luggage tags,
So everybody knows
Who they belong to.
They refuse to survive alone,
Even for those few days.
Miles later,
They surprise us.
They’re quickly unpacked
And shoved hastily
In hotel room drawers—
Out of sight, out of mind.
When vacation ends,
They’ll be wadded, repacked,
And brought home
To be spilled across the bedroom floor.