navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #25 » Highway 395
Open Poetry #25
Post A Reply Post New Topic Highway 395 Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
kayjay
Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015
Oregon

0 posted 2003-03-18 02:00 PM


Highway 395

If you take a bunch of rocks
the size of a county or two
And drape the rug of Kansas across them
then add the wind of Wyoming
whipping the grain and barley
you’ve got the rolling hills of Eastern Washington.

I was headed north from Pasco
on highway three nine five.
The weather was sorta threatening;
I was anxious to arrive.

The wind began to shake and blow;
The heavens took to churning.
My rig was rocking side to side;
the miles I was burning.

Great tumbling clumps of thunderheads
rolled pell mell across the sky.
The anvil clouds of thunderstorms
rang with the hammers of Thor.
The rain sluiced down like a cataract;
pelting the ground with a machine gun ferocity.

There was no place that I could go
on that two-lane road.
But push on down that crummy stretch
The detour sign had showed

The day had long since lost its light;
my eyelids drooped so low.
I fought with sleep to keep awake
and swilled my cup of joe.

The lightning crackled with a rocket’s glare
and the thunder thumped like cannon.
I fought the wheel as hydroplaning
became a word I cursed.
Alone on the road with Mother Nature
At her wildest, the rain pelleted on my roof.

We make these choices to stop or go
in life or on the road.
For should we fight for what we want
or dump our burden’s load?

What kept me safe that hellish night
I will never know
But I thank Whomever made the call
It wasn’t my turn to go



Through rubble and trouble and dark of night
The yawn of a dawn will hasten the light

[This message has been edited by kayjay (03-18-2003 02:31 PM).]

© Copyright 2003 Ken Julkowski - All Rights Reserved
Amara
Member
since 2003-02-23
Posts 158
East of the moon, west of the sun.
1 posted 2003-03-18 02:55 PM


Is this by any chance KJ, from Balindell? If not, sorry, but I've a friend who uses the same ID.

Anyhow, I do like this poem...I like the metaphor, and the lesson. Nice.

Blessed Be Thee!
Stephanie

Every heart has hidden treasures...a secret wish, a silent dream, and a cherished love. [Unknown]

kayjay
Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015
Oregon
2 posted 2003-03-18 04:08 PM


Thank you, Amara.  No I'm not the KJ you know, but thank you for your kind comment.  Ken J

Through rubble and trouble and dark of night
The yawn of a dawn will hasten the light

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
3 posted 2003-03-18 04:29 PM




(big hugggsssssss) Oh Ken, thank God, I have been through that part of the country before myself as well as Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho, it is very dangerous driving straight through from Denver, it can feel ever so monotonous! (sigh) I am just glad you are safe, sweet friend, this is very thrilling, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Ken, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2003-03-18 04:40 PM


KayJay! Free Verse!
We're blessed!
in more ways than one!

kayjay
Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015
Oregon
5 posted 2003-03-18 04:44 PM


Noah, friend and Sunshine too
You praise me as if pitching woo
I thank you for your kindly thoughts
You give me warmth that can't be "boughts"
Ken

Through rubble and trouble and dark of night
The yawn of a dawn will hasten the light

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
6 posted 2003-03-18 07:12 PM


Hey Ken!!  Free verse? Oh wow!!
You never cease to amaze me my friend.
~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~

~ Trace my body with your words..
And in doing so, you touch my heart. ~

WhiteRose
Member Elite
since 2002-07-23
Posts 3208
somebody's dungeon
7 posted 2003-03-18 10:04 PM


This is free verse at it's best. Nicely done, enjoyed the read.
Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #25 » Highway 395

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary