Long Weekend In the Keys

The bleak dreary days of a cold December Were anticipated already in early September So, I talked to my boss, begged on my knees And added days to a long weekend in the Keys. Left for Miami on a snowy Thursday eve Arrived in warm sunshine, hard to believe, Rented a small compact and headed south Found lodging in a quaint little German Haus All tuckered out from the long day of travel I took to the bed and let all my cares unravel. For four solid days I behaved like a tourist Poking into whatever caught my interest I sunbathed, scorched, and aloed my burn Took in some intellectual lessons I learned At Truman’s resort and Hemingway’s home Jotted down a few notes to use in a poem. On Tuesday I experienced a rude awakening Arriving back at home late in the evening My hiatus over brought an unforgettable conclusion: A long weekend can become a refreshing intrusion. SECOND PLACE WINNER Written January 28, 2021 For Hiatus Contest