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Night Travelers |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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All night I had been on the road beneath the moon's soft light And still the road before me stretched into the Texas night. The silence of the breaking dawn my only company, The desert landscape stretching farther than the eye could see. I drove on through that mystic time when darkness meets the dawn, When floating shadows dart across the eye and then beyond. Exhaustion had since passed me by as I drove, glassy-eyed And barely saw her car as it approached me from the side. The noise had been quite deafening. I'd been alone so long, Mind occupied recalling some forgotten old love song, I'd scarcely noticed her approach until her eyes met mine - Two travelers on the road of life next to a straight, white line. She had been traveling, I could tell, a very long time, too. Her eyes shone with that glassy look, exhaustion showing through. Another midnight traveler on that road to who knows where, Mind dwelling on some nice, soft bed just waiting for her there. It happened in an instant in a way I can't explain Although, as I recall it now, it does seem quite insane. Her eyes met mine and mine met hers amid the swirling dust And I was overcome with uncontrollably strong lust. I've heard that it can happen and can happen anywhere. The simple act of touching eyes forms passion in the air. Could be an elevator or a crowded room or such Where one is filled with deep desire to feel another's touch. It has no base in logic. It is purely chemistry, So strong it wipes the blackboard clean of all reality. But, for that one brief moment, we'd surrender willingly To feel the white-hot burning heat of such intensity. We don't, of course. We're civilized, not animals in heat. Behind the wall of decency, we beat a fast retreat, But I've heard decent women say, concerning unknown men, When faced with this phenomonen…."He could have had me….then." Well, those are thoughts that came to me as she came into view And I could tell from how she looked, she felt the same way, too. The glassy look, the reddened cheeks, the way she grasped the wheel, Her slightly opened lips showed her intensity was real. She passed me then. I saw her smile as she went on ahead But, though she could have left me there, she slowed back down, instead And settled in an easy pace just yards in front of me - Two travelers in life down Texas Road 183. The Texas sun had risen now, the morning crystal clear. I watched her eyes look back at me from out her rearview mirror. The passion was still there. It made her blue eyes so beguiling And, from the creases on the sides, I knew that she was smiling. How many miles we drove? Who knows? Two hundred - maybe three. My eyes were staring at the eyes that stared right back at me. I'd never wanted anyone the way I wanted her! To hell with any consequences later to occur. The road went on forever as I sat, quite mesmerized, When, suddenly, I saw a look of question in her eyes. I looked to get my bearings just to see how far we went. The landscape I now recognized explained what her eyes meant. Right up ahead, a mile or two in front of her and me I-20 cut from east to west across 183. The right turn went to Dallas and the left to Abilene. Some small, sad non-descript motel sat right there in between. So there it was - the time to choose. Dream or reality? To act on our desires or to keep the fantasy. The road was getting closer. There was little time to lose. My nerves were taut with wondering at how we both would choose. I wanted her. I felt the passion set my soul aflame And I knew, deep inside of me, her feelings were the same. The time was now! The road appeared and sprang into our sight. Then she swerved in the left-hand lane - and I into the right. She looked at me and gave a smile…a happy one and yet I saw her face was saddened by a feeling of regret. I smiled right back to hide my feelings, well, as best I could, Expressing my agreement and to show I understood. The light changed and I saw her start to turn and pull away, Then put her hand up to her lips and blew a kiss my way. I caught it in mid-air and smiled and gave the horn a toot, Then raised my hand to offer her a fare-thee-well salute. So she turned left and I turned right. We'd never meet again. I watched her slowly disappear somewhere around the bend. Things always work out for the best - that's part of Life's design. I wished her luck with her life and then I drove home to mine. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
I've heard that it can happen and can happen anywhere. The simple act of touching eyes forms passion in the air. Could be an elevator or a crowded room or such Where one is filled with deep desire to feel another's touch. It has no base in logic. It is purely chemistry, So strong it wipes the blackboard clean of all reality. But, for that one brief moment, we'd surrender willingly To feel the white-hot burning heat of such intensity. ---------------- I now have a new fav of yours... this is awesome, perfection... you are the weave god of poetry *bowing before you*  later-wise-poet-gator jm What the caterpillar calls the end ... The world calls a butterfly ~LaoTzeTao~ ~Butterflies are meant to be free~ |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ Better not let me catch you on I-4 !  Or I-95 ... Or The Florida Turnpike ... Or Green Swamp Road ... ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This one blew me away when I first read it and it still does! Excellent, excellent, excellent! Denise |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
See Balladeer, there you go again I am amazed at how easy you make this look! All my love, Jeffrey |
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Di Junior Member
since 2000-06-29
Posts 19Ontario, Canada |
Absolutely awsome, is what comes to mind. Fantastic! It has my vote! ~Di~ ~People shine from the inside out~ |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Oh dear oh 'deer.... this, my friend, is amazing... see how I envy your ability to write both rhyme and FV??? We don't, of course. We're civilized, not animals in heat. Behind the wall of decency, we beat a fast retreat, But I've heard decent women say, concerning unknown men, When faced with this phenomonen…."He could have had me….then." There's something just so sharp about it... awesome! Hugs  K |
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Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
I adore this Balladeer! No longer will travelling alone at night be quite so scary *wink* Great stuff hon I'll tell you this...... No eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn..... ~Isis~ (Goddess - Sovereign of the Spirit) |
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CocoBaci Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 3043 |
Very enjoyable read Balladeer Coco |
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Brad Member Ascendant
since 1999-08-20
Posts 5705Jejudo, South Korea |
Can't believe I'm voting for a poem in couplets that wasn't comic -- but the heptameter helped. A very satisfying read. Brad |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
So glad you're digging back into the good stuff for the book... Sunny ~~~Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. Helen Keller ~~~ When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ |
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linda munday Member
since 2000-06-17
Posts 315Adelaide, Australia |
Balladeer, Look over your shoulder my dear man. I am following you. Maybe not in a car, but definitely in this forum. Couldn't have driven past the little voting box on this one...not a chance. Linda M. |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
too bad you missed it... LOL great lyrical verse ... enjoyed much! |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Oh Balladeer, how I remember this, I am so glad you submitted this for the book. You've certainly have my vote! and this ... I've heard that it can happen and can happen anywhere. The simple act of touching eyes forms passion in the air. Could be an elevator or a crowded room or such Where one is filled with deep desire to feel another's touch. hmmm very true indeed!! It's been too many nights of being with to now be suddenly without "Jewel" |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
Wow ... you had me in the car with you now why did you go and do the right thing you get back there now and change this poem so that the reader gets to choose Left ... or ... Right Rex |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I thank you all for enjoying the drive Margw....Green Swamp Road....hmmmmm Brad....my couplet runneth over with joy Thank you all VERY much. I treasure your responses.... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
What a great love story, Balladeer...a story like only you can tell...you get my vote! |
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Fred Hobbs Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329Tallahassee, Florida, US |
Balladeer, You're the best . . . Great job on this one (as always) fh |
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Corazon Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 1209 |
i love this one...funny how two "cars" can pass in the night almost making a love story, till one turns left and one turns right....great writing |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
....and they never kept in touch??? |
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Gossamerwings Member
since 2000-07-18
Posts 207 |
This is truly AWESOME! *I know exactly how this feels,I was in slow traffic and a man was off to the side ,waiting for traffic to pass so he could enter his car. Our eyes locked and it seemed to go on for an eternity.I have never forgotten that feeling* GREAT read here as always! Gossamerwings ;) |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
It's amazing how that simple biological function can play havoc with the human mind. I thought this was a great story and I enjoyed it all the way through. Got my vote for sure. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Ah a gem! Thanks for bringing this one up so I could vote for it.  |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh Balladeer, how do you ever place these incredible thoughts to words ... yet each time, you do ... and so beautifully! Best wishes, /Kit |
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Heather Miller Member
since 2000-07-19
Posts 409Bryan, Ohio USA |
You always seem to get my vote. I have not found one of your poems that I don't like. You are a WONDERFUL writer. I have passed so many of your stuff on to my friends and they are just as AWED as myself. You should have your very own book (when you do I want a copy) Hugs & kisses, Heather Without the experiance of love where would we be?We would have no wonderful memories to cherish.With love it brings hurt with hurt brings bittersweet |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
Growing up 2 miles from the Indy Motor Speedway, I have never felt such heat coming off of the screen!!! This was so wonderfully written, it flowed, it accelerated, it shifted gears from tears to joy to tears again, and ended bittersweetly. Let me give you the checkered flag on this one, Michael. You are a true romantic and why didn't you just run out of gas? She would have stopped? Right? another one for my library. oh, voted of course.... Kathleen |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Yes, I remember it well And now I get to vote for it Liz |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Haunting memories of what might have been, well done, Dear! Corinne |
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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
Captivating. I can also get more out of it than what it actually says. I like that. Nothing can deter a poet, for he is actuated by pure love. Who can predict his comings and goings? "Thoreau" |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
This has been read for oh, probably the umpteenth time. Couldn't resist it. Kathleen |
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