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ROUTE 6

by Melissa Arel

There they go - the cars buzzing by
flashing their lights
honking their horns at one another
in a frenzied mass

One by one slowing down
as yellow turns to red
and the Walk sign flashes
telling an unsuspecting pedestrian
they're allowed to take a risk
crossing the intersection
in the middle of rush hour

(so many pedestrians, so little time)

Above the illuminated business signs
and steamy restaurant neon lights
hangs a glowing, polished pearl
in the middle of a putrid, black tarred sky
watching the cars run like ants

A perfect circle of ivory sitting by itself
alone, waiting
and here I am, looking back up at the moon
admiring his pallor and humility
here I am, by the window
bored but satisfied
seeing high beams and headlights all too familiar

Watching Farmington Avenue
come and go to work and home
as the hands of the clock slowly inch forward
like molasses
and I, like the moon, am waiting
to become part of the nightlife driving down Route 6
blending in with the noise and clamor
of a New England people.

09/13/2000

Author's Note:

Posted on 01/31/2003
Copyright © 2024 Melissa Arel

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Tim D Livingston on 01/31/03 at 05:31 PM

Sweet poem. Makes me want to go there....pick up my guitar and djembe and we'll put music to it as soon as you get your baby this weekend!

Posted by Ken Harnisch on 02/03/03 at 07:40 AM

ah, i recall this one Mel...written from the gas station/ convenience store when the stars were all bright in your eyes and the future was yet to be unrolled like the red carpet...I loved it then, knowing Route 6 as I do, and I love it now..:)

Posted by Anne Engelen on 02/04/03 at 05:44 PM

"telling an unsuspecting pedestrian they're allowed to take a risk crossing the intersection" Extremely vivid images...reading it feels like being part of the poem! Wonderful!!

Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 03/05/03 at 04:47 PM

Great description, effective setting of atmosphere, photo impressively illustrates. Makes me think of Boston (from my college days).

Posted by Charles E Minshall on 07/26/04 at 05:02 AM

Nice word picture Mel and nice Picture....Charlie

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