My Road Well Traveled
By Irene Kistler

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No thank you to the long and winding road.
Go straight past the bookshop,
Turn right at the gas station;
Follow the residential streets to the stone two-story in Medina, Ohio.

I’ve had enough surprises,
Enough detours,
Enough trauma;
Give me the familiarity of the back of my hand.

Dinner crafted with ingredients I can pronounce:
Chicken, cabbage, garlic, rice,
Chopped and stirred by my red Kitchen Aid mixer—
My tractor of the kitchen.

Taste and chew in front of the TV,
My plate pillowed on my lap.
Who’s got the remote?
It’s time to shout Jeopardy answers at Ken Jennings.


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Irene Kistler is a retired teacher and school librarian. She loves to study the Irish language (Gaeilge), read classic literature, do yoga, write and walk her dog, Greta. She and her husband love to watch reality TV shows together and enjoy being empty nesters to two wonderful adults.