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Here's a link to my latest YouTube reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNzeVyF51Og

The ride back felt longer.

I didn’t trust it.

Anxiety told my little mind

something would go wrong.

Same dingy Greyhound bus.

Same ragged seats.

Same tired engine

dragging us north out of Missouri.

But something had shifted.

I kept thinking about my room,

my toys lined up where I left them,

friends I hadn’t seen in months

like they might’ve forgotten me.

School waiting

like a slow sentence

nobody could outrun.

Out the window�"

the land started changing.

Less sky.

More signs.

Gas stations,

faded billboards,

towns stacked close together

like they needed each other�"

Ankeny, Altoona.

I sat up straighter

when things started

to feel familiar again.

A building I’d seen before.

A road that bent the right way.

That old Raccoon River

by Tech High School.

Des Moines

getting closer.

Ready for my wild footsteps

and feral heart.

My brother said,

“I hope Mom’s there.”

I just nodded

and said,

“She will be.”

The bus slowed.

Air brakes sighed

like it had done its job

and didn’t care what came next.

People stood up too early,

grabbing bags,

like getting off first

meant something.

I stayed seated

a second longer.

Just in case.

Then I stepped off

into that familiar heat.

That diesel smell

was a friend this time around.

And there it was�"

her beige Nova

sitting in the parking lot.

And then I saw Mom�"

dimly through the dirty window,

standing in that quilted

rose-colored jacket,

a Virginia Slim dangling

between her fingers.

My heart settled.

Author's Note

New long-form poetry reading on YouTube—featuring work from Aluminum Cowboys and a sneak peek from Searching for Nod.

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNzeVyF51Og

Books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-W.-Case/author/B0CL2RKDGX?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=xsU45&conte

Reviews

[Soren]

So well painted the images coming through as if out of memory reality is made. The are so familiar and hold the grit of life in them. Nicely Crafted Thomas

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[Chris Shaw]

The apprehension built with the journey and then she was there and all felt settled. A lovely piece of nostalgia for this reunion Thomas.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much Chris.

[John the Baptist]

An autobiographical piece here. It captures very well, especially in the last lines, the boy's relief and joy at the moment the reunion becomes assured. But that all reunions could be this successful.

[Thomas W Case]

Yes, thanks, my friend.

[red93]

Beautiful Piece this one, and so dear and precious these holy memories when the loved ones are gone. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.

[Desert Knave]

Love the whole thing. I recall coming home on leave the first time and how I didn't feel "right" until I started seeing the familiar buildings and signs. ~Jim

[Thomas W Case]

I know exactly what you mean. Thanks.