I used to dream
Dreams of innocence
Blowing iridescent soap bubbles
Wearing delicate daisy chains

Awed of yellow gleams reflected
By buttercups on tender skin
Now my dreams are filled
With the sounds of road noise

The moan and hiss of tires
Over rough pavement
The hot smell of asphalt
The grimy color of faded blacktop

I can’t stop, my foot
Urges the gas, I’m burning up
About to blister under
The assault of exhaust fumes

In the distance, the sky’s reflection
Appears, a shimmering lake
In the middle of the road
A taunting oasis, beyond reach

Never to dip my fingers into
Its cool cerulean blue and
Rinse away the travel dust
Sooth weathered skin

I rub my weary eyes
And keep going

10/01/2001

Posted on 01/27/2003
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