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Night Travelers............requested repost
| Open Poetry #11 |
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Night Travelers............requested repost |
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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 phenomenon…."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 Abileen. Some small, sad non-descript motel sat right there in between. So there it was - the time to choose. Dream or reality? To act out on our strong desires or 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. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 12-08-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
I'm certain it was the kiss she blew that got you home safely....I love this one. What is that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the words I have read in my life. Walt Whitman |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Sigh...should've taken the long way home... What an excellent example of your mastery, michael! And the poem wasn't bad either! LOL...and hugs to you, me mentor...going back to study now... |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
*sigh* sad how fantasy never became reality. I see lessons here for myself and messages. Interesting poem. Wonderfully written. Life can be so very strange. You spin wonderful visions, my friend. Much love to you from me. I guess I was hoping for a different ending. Love I leave with you my friend whether it be in your life or of yet the essense of your dreams. http://path2riches.com |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
 i'll respond to this the exact same way as i did the very first time i read it when you posted it before... too bad you missed it! *wink* lol... (((hug))) |
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Songbird Member Elite
since 1999-12-15
Posts 2184Missouri |
Enjoyed your very artistic yarn, kept me spellbound and even if the fantasy didn't come true, the "cowboy" lived to walk away, and who knows maybe for his good. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Interesting that as I was driving home the other night on a long stretch of two lane road in the dark of Kansas [no Interstate for me!] that this particular poem came to mind...how nice of you to put it up now... I didn't have a chance to ride "side by side" with anyone...and I have green eyes...more the shame...but it's nice to see this one again! Thanks 'Deer...you know how to put the ice cream on the cake!< !signature--> Karilea If I whisper, will you listen?... I would rather be silent and write, than speak loudly and be bound. KRJ [This message has been edited by Sunshine (edited 12-08-2000).] |
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