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They Go for a Drive

by David Garner

They go for a drive.

FRANK: I feel so alive!

The windows are down.

FRANK: Just look at this town!

She puts on her sweater.

FRANK: I’ve never felt better!

The wind blows their hair.

DOROTHY: There’s a chill in the air.

He rolls up the window on the passenger’s side.

FRANK: Where should we go? You should decide.

She looks out the window at the passing white lines,
The billboards, the speed limit and other road signs.
She turns up the heater only a notch,
Then the overhead light to look at her watch.

FRANK: Maybe a drink? Maybe some food?

She turns off the light.

DOROTHY: I’m not in the mood.

FRANK: Well, I want to go somewhere, I think.

He quickly turns to his right and gives her a wink.
This nuance is lost as she stares straight ahead.

DOROTHY: I think I’d rather go home and just go to bed.

He takes the next exit and turns back around.
She closes her eyes, makes not one sound.
He rolls up the window on the driver’s side.
He holds his breath for the rest of the ride.
Many exits they pass.
He looks at the gas.
Miles and miles until he veers to the right.
Then a sudden stop sign, then a long, long red light.
He stares in the blackness as she softly sleeps.
A car horn behind him suddenly beeps.
He coasts up the driveway, thinking of bed.
He nudges her lightly.

FRANK: Hey, we’re home, sleepyhead.

10/27/2008

Posted on 10/28/2008
Copyright © 2024 David Garner

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Gabriel Ricard on 10/28/08 at 04:05 AM

Heh. Hard not to like something written like this. Great work, sir.

Posted by Alison McKenzie on 10/28/08 at 06:11 AM

I think it's so hard, when moods collide. You capture it perfectly!

Posted by Charlie Morgan on 10/28/08 at 01:47 PM

...touche! on gabe's and ali's statements...

Posted by Mo Couts on 07/14/11 at 06:13 AM

Perfectly done! I loved every moment of it!

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 12/03/20 at 08:37 PM

Congrats on POTD! Loved the back and forth to this, definitely defining the two moods. Charming and a bit sad, but real. Thanks!

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