I recall

bouncing on a tour bus

hurtling down a

winding Jamaican hillside

clutching the seat back

as we whipped around

hairpin turns,

slower cars,

and goats,

looking up at

our laughing driver

smiling at his cargo

of frightened passengers

as he liltingly reassured us,

“Trust your driver.”

Our fear

had no effect

but we

survived.

Today I’m traveling

yet another scary road

with no control

over the speed

or knowledge of

my destination.

I struggle to

hold on,

to gain my bearings,

wishing for a grip

on something

I can’t name.

Only now do I recognize this bus

I can’t influence

the trip

I don’t get to decide

the route

or stops along the way

The best I can do

is try to ease up,

lean back,

and remember to

Trust my driver.