One hundred miles down 101,
From San Jose south to King City;
Coffee and cherry pie at
Golden West Restaurant
Across from the CHP office.

What did i see along the way?

Garlic and onions in Gilroy,
Pregnant and verdant fields around Salinas,
State prison at apt Soledad,
Broccoli festival in Greenfield,
Ancient stands of eucalyptus
Are now razed at river's bend
Before the road arches
Into King City.

Been this way a thousand times,
Home-based at either end of
The SF - LA axis,
Depending on current lifetime.

How many lifetimes?

I'm still a kid inside,
Watching out the window
As the world rolls by;
But now feeling well-acquainted,
If not thoroughly familiar
With the truck stops,
Farmers plowing and picking,
Faerie-like sprinklers in rolling fields.

The restaurant sound system plays oldies,
Reminding me of completely different times.

No big struggles now,
Sometimes familiar pain.

I'm flowing now,
Left brain subdued.

Great Salinas River Valley!
Here I am!

06/24/2000

Posted on 11/30/2001
Copyright © 2024 Ronald A Pavellas