we might set out
each time with
a specific place
in our minds
only one destination
and one ideal route
but i can't remember
the last time
we managed
to complete one
of these journeys
without detouring
stopping somewhere
briefly to explore
what we otherwise
might have missed

although sometimes
forced on us
through circumstance
or on others
chosen for the sake
of passing whimsy
we will always be happy
going out of our way
finding something
to marvel at
to appreciate
and be remembered
along the way