The Journey
written by: Debra Elramey
@elramey
Don’t apologize for being strange
and preferring the back roads
to the fast lane. Safer to shun the interstate
with its fury of traffic in a hurry
to get somewhere, somehow,
if it means pushing you out of the way.
Better any day to hit the narrow ribbon
of road where no one behind you is cursing
a bitter stream of words or slamming his horn
in anger as you meander along
at your own sweet pace, humming
“Fields of Gold” with Sting on the radio,
Eyeing a peaceful landscape, its sequence
of sights changing shape as in dreams:
Spanish moss draped over trees like bearded
Giants soon become a tower of pines.
Grazing cows give way to a barn darkened with age,
steepled by weather vane. Clothes hung out
on line to dry remind you of days long gone.
A pond of ducks catches your eye, slows you down
to forty, then thirty-five. There’s no real hurry.
You’ll make your destination in plenty of time
without worry. And if you don’t, no sweat.
You’re just grateful for the journey.
- Beyond The Red Door - October 22, 2024
- The Journey - September 4, 2024
