Ode to the Burro (by Sunshine)

You’ve kept us warm. You’ve kept us dry. You’ve protected us from blowing sand and insects of all kinds. You’ve given us space to sleep and cook.

We’ve taken you through sand and mud, rain and sleet. You’ve been on bumpy gravel roads and winding steep hills. Even with your bent axle you’ve always pulled straight.

We’ve listened to the rain on your roof and watched the sun shine through your windows. You’ve been our constant even when everything else is always changing. You’re enough to keep us feeling protected yet the outdoors is not far away.

You’re fast to set up and ready to go in a flash. We know – we’ve parked next to the pop-up types and watched them fiddle and adjust while we hike away ready for fun.

You have just enough space for the three of us to eat, sleep, and play (usually Uno) in the rain. You have more than enough storage room; if we filled it all you’d be too heavy.

I’ve learned my way around you in the dark; though you look great with your modern LEDs. You’ve carried our clothes, our food, and Walden’s tricycle from one ocean to the other.

You’ve been the perfect companion for this journey and held up remarkably well after nearly 20,000 miles. Yes, you have your leaks, creaks, and gaps but they were nothing we couldn’t manage. After all, you’re likely as old as I am and I’m starting to wrinkle, sag, and gray too.

You’ve become part of our story and so many have come to know you. People are curious where you came from and many have peeked inside. Though you are a fraction of the size of the big rigs we wouldn’t want any more.

  

Yes, dear Burro we will miss you for this journey is coming to an end. We can’t imagine traveling without you; you are like an old friend. Our house will feel like a mansion, spacious and full of convenience but in our hearts we’ll always feel that home is where the Burro is.