"Packing for the Trip"

 I remember my flight getting bumped, for a DC9

 full of G.I.'s, during the "Viet Nam" war.

 I was only 13, and on a flight to L.A.X. from Montana.

 (by myself, I know, what were they thinking?) 

Soldiers everywhere, and perfect gentleman. 

I felt like a little princess surrounded by knights in uniform.

 I carried my suitcase, and tennis racket on the plane. 

I had been away for an entire month,

and had everything I would possibly need

in my petite suitcase.

 5 blouses, 5 pairs of shorts, jambies, swimsuit,

 "Ked's" tennis shoes, sandals, socks. 

I carried my transistor radio in my purse,

 with my cosmetic bag, toothbrush, travel size soap, etc.

As I grew up, I traveled more.

Sometimes I packed to much stuff! 

Trying to carry all those bags, 

it didn't take me long to learn: 

 "Pack,"

 only what I needed!

 ONLY what I needed!