An ode to my favorite travel companion

To my favorite travel companion–

Oh pillow, oh pillow, you are an ever-present comfort

When the day is long and weary, upon you I rest my head;

Be it train, bus, plane, you are there, no matter the transport

And upon nightfall you are a welcome addition to my bed.

Though people laugh and point and mock,

For they have no idea of the comfort you provide

I shan’t give you up, I shan’t balk.

On long journeys and on hard mattresses you are tested and tried.

With you, I can finally sleep en route to exotic locations

With you, my neck does not cramp and my head does not hurt

With you, the unpaved roads, the dirty seats, the cold nights become bearable tribulations

With you, after an afternoon’s rest I can seem awake and alert.

My dear, it does not matter that you are bulky and plain

Or that it is difficult to juggle suitcase, purse, and pillow,

For you are my aide and companion again and again

And you help me hide extra luggage when I have too many a kilo.

You mitigate my insomnia and put my fears to rest

Though travel with you is difficult, you are more than worth the trouble.

I shan’t travel without you, for you have become the best of the best

Those others may understand one day, if they ever break through their backpacking bubble.