shiny drops of metal
zephyrs on speckled black bands -
seams in sandstone upholstery
of Southern Oklahoma

serrated strata recumbent
on quilt of red clay
stretches its lament north
to the scarlet seas of
Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw

the centipede symphony-
Mahler-horned tragedy
roaring road presto fortissimo
fast and loud
tumbles tombstones
of rebar, polymers, and bones

alien muscle legal here
bought by Brown and Root
souled side by side
with the civilized tribes
ebony Ibo arms and legs
laid down these miles
merged their manhood and lives
one lane at a time
for blinking amber eyes
and squealing wheels
at a minimum of 45

this concrete bow
strung with drops of gray and heavy
during the reign of Auto
and governor Ford and Chevy
never stole the soul
of skydancer, hawk and human
of Eufaula, Atoka, or Seminole

when eons of rotted plants
speed you hurried ants
to your final destination
or your next filling station
do not forget the blood and bone
that made your way back home

01/04/2002

Posted on 01/04/2002
Copyright © 2025 Glenn Currier