It's a long way from Hardee County to Frisco's hilly streets—
far removed from Dasher's, the Glee Club, and Mrs. Deitz.
But there, beside that famous bay, two sisters found their place
and made a perfect memory bound in elegance and grace.
Amid damask and dubious Druids, bone china and lemon curd,
the ladies took tea and enjoyed the loveliest music they'd ever heard.
Nibbling caviar and crumpets, they sipped champagne and tea—
set aside life's sundry burdens for an afternoon's esprit.
At a later date, these sisters made a pilgrimage back home
to spend time with precious loved ones they feared might soon be gone.
Though the weather was oppressive, the fellowship was sweet,
the music even sweeter—an extra special treat.
Dear friends and old relationships were easy to reclaim,
so, yes, you can go home again, though it's never quite the same.
And then, these Southern sisters undertook a noble quest;
with lists and maps and cameras in hand, they launched "The Book Tour-West."
Up I-5 they sallied, "jazz and lickaaaaah" in the air,
stopping first for wine, then cherries...making u-turns everywhere.
Cherished friends and the kindness of strangers made up for the grueling pace:
one hundred stops in seven days, adventures in every place.
Back down the Pacific Highway, through the dark woods of Big Sur,
they roamed the backroads of Carmel with no clue where they were.
Returning home, they went back to their keyboards once again,
to ponder the next adventure: where might it be, and when?
For once these G.R.I.T.S. got a taste of the Ritz, it confirmed what they always knew;
life's meant to be lived to the fullest, not merely be gotten through.
And if one has a sister to share life's foibles and fun,
one is blessed beyond all measure, and richer than anyone.


© 2007 by Jayne Jaudon Ferrer
Used with the author's permission.