Road Trip

(January 25, 2008)

Staring through the heat haze
               rising from the road in the distance
skewing the view and vision,
               wondering when this trip will ever end
                              'cause you've gotta pee
                                             gotta pee
                                             gotta pee.
And you can't pull over—
               there's no trees,
                              no bushes,
                              no cover.
And the next rest stop is 55 miles away
               with no exits in between.
And the gnawing in your gut
               informs you that beef jerky
               is no substitute for a full meal.
Wish you hadn't passed up
               McDonald's an hour,
                              a lifetime ago.
And what's that noise?
               That rattle.
               That hum.
               That annoying squeak.
Is my roadside service insurance up-to-date?
There's no way I can fix
               whatever that is
                              myself.
Hey! Was that a lion?
                              Really. A lion. On a farm.
                              ? ? !
               A giant Jesus. Carved in butter.
                              Hmm.
               And why would anyone make
                              a ball of string that big anyway?
So, where was I going anyway?
Should have listened to mom and dad.
               Use the bathroom before you leave home.
               Pack a lunch.
               Know where you're going. Have a plan. Carry a map. Use the map.
               Side trips are fun and educational,
                              however, don't forget your destination.
Destination.
Vacation.
Relaxation.
Forever R & R.
Am I there yet?