Parked

Somewhere along the way
In my adult life
As a single mom
I developed a habit
Of sitting in the car
After I parked
Just sitting alone in the car
Usually in the dark
In between the things
I need to do
In between the places
Of responsibilities
Sitting in the car
When it’s parked in the dark
Is an in-between space
A quiet sacred place
Where there’s no expectations on me yet
I can take a few moments
To breathe
To think
To maybe respond to some messages
That have been waiting for me
Sometimes I lose track of time
Sitting in a car
Until I realize I’m cold
And it’s gotten late
And just outside of the car
Is a home that’s waiting
Patiently
For me to arrive.