(St.) George, Washington (County)

For Presidents' Day,

we took a quick trip

down to St. George,

Washington County, Utah.

I thought it was appropriate.

Really anything that lets you

wear sandals in February

is appropriate.

On a road trip,

you can drive four hours,

get out of the car,

and suddenly it's warm.

You can drive four hours

and suddenly see the stars.

You can creep up

to 95 miles an hour on the highway

like it's nothing.

You can tell the story

of every boy you've ever loved

and learn all the presidents

in order

and listen to every cd you have,

and still not be there yet.

You can go in 150-year-old buildings

that pioneers built.

You can order something

called piccadilly chips

from a 40-year-old drive-in

and burn your mouth on them.

You can hike past giant rocks

that look like turtle heads
in sandals
because you forgot your shoes.

You can drive around

listening to Louis Armstrong,

feeling like

it's the red rocks themselves

blowing on that horn.

You can make new friends

and be reminded of

all the charming things

you love 

about the friends

you already have.