Dear Milo,
Next month is my five year anniversary of living out of my van. I have a ‘95 Chevy Express extended cargo diesel (184,000 miles and just getting it broke in) with an aftermarket high-top I installed myself. It’s built out pretty cozy, and I have all the comforts of home, including a queen bed, a gaming system patched through a 32-inch monitor, a compost toilet, 300 watts of solar on the roof, and a Dometic fridge. Well, I don’t have shower, but I hit up friends and family and truck stops and YMCAs when I stink.
I would love it if you could write me a poem about “hashtag vanlife.” That bullshit they post on Instagram is just that. Bullshit. I’ve had my ups and downs (mostly financial) but it’s been a blast, and I’ve seen the whole American Southwest without posting a single glamour selfie. I know you spent some time as a nomad too, so maybe you could cut through the crap and write me something to commemorate the day. Message me if you need more details.
I’m not homeless, I’m
—Home Free
Dear Free, Five years, wow! Happy anniversary. --Milo
—
When Your Bedroom Has Brakes
Your home is where you park it:
In the mountains or the market.
So last night was a casino--
Circus Circus, up in Reno.
Then you run the monthly tally:
Arizona, Southern Cali,
Colorado, now Nevada.
Swimming every social strata.
Thinking: what the hell is next,
And you're just a bit perplexed
Every morning when you waken
As to how you'll bring home bacon.
Since your life is on the freeway,
You don't lack for lots of leeway.
But you're running out of money.
Even so, the sky is sunny.
Cuz your only rent is diesel.
You can cover that with ease. Well,
It'll maybe sting a little
So you're sorta noncommittal.
But to flex financial muscle
You should really find a hustle.
There's a new fulfillment center
That could get you through the winter.
Or a freelance gig's effective,
But it takes a real detective
To uncover those that pay
Without you working night and day.
You wash windows, cars, & dishes
When inflation gets pernicious.
But that's just what it takes,
When your bedroom has brakes.
—
(Home Free, I spent a year on the road, mostly traveling around Southwest Florida -ed.)