The provided text, excerpts from "Running on Empty: A Life on the Road," appears to be a **lyrical or poetic narrative** from the perspective of someone who has spent a significant portion of their life traveling. The speaker reflects on **decades of journeying**, highlighting a sense of **unending motion** and a persistent feeling of being "behind." Throughout the piece, there's a recurring theme of **uncertainty and a quest for purpose**, despite the continuous forward movement. The text conveys a **mix of weariness and a resilient pursuit of connection**, as seen in the desire for a smile before leaving, even while acknowledging that friends are experiencing a similar state of "running on empty." Ultimately, it paints a picture of a **life defined by the open road**, marked by both the physical act of traveling and the internal struggles that accompany such a nomadic existence.
