(This is a chronicle of the the trip I am on to see my daughter's graduation. It's a little long and lacking in quality, having written it while weaving through traffic with the tablet on my lap but, for those who want to muddle through it, I thank you and, for those who don't, I understand and for those who do and wish they hadn't, I understand that, too! I look forward to being back next week...take care)
.
.
So here I am - it's two a.m. - the night devoid of sound.
The car is packed. I'm heading out the door, Ohio-bound.
One thousand miles straight north I'm headed...long, but what the heck!
It used to take the covered wagons months to make that trek.

The sleepy tollbooth ticket taker smiles as I appear
While noticing my car is packed with normal travelling gear...
An ice-chest for my cokes and goodies, pillow for my head,
A stack of books on tape of novels that I hadn't read,

My suitcase, my computer and a thermos filled with bean,
Plus every snack from chips to nuts and all that's in-between.
I used to take my yellow Lab with me - his name was Max
But he's on his own journey now where there's no coming back.

So now I'm headed up the highway on I-95.
Some people hate this road but it's the one I love to drive.
I drove in South America so I'm accostumed to
The bumper-car and suicidal moves these people do.

The question now comes to my mind - should I use cruise control?
I like to feel the hum of motor there beneath my sole.
It's like my finger's on the pulse of my vehicle's heart
And, should there be a problem, I will know it at the start.

Plus, I imagine that I put it on and, with my luck,
When it comes time to take it off, the stupid thing gets stuck!!
And there's no way to slow down to save my poor, mortal soul.
Unwittingly I'm captive of a faulty cruise control!

I try to slam hard on the brake - that does no good at all.
I'm going way too fast to scrape myself against a wall!
I can't turn off the key 'cause then the steering column freezes....
My car's a runaway and it can take me where it pleases!!!!!

I weave through traffic like a madman in this sad display
While other drivers shoot the bird and send advice my way.
At 80 mikes per hour, I shoot through gates at every toll
While screaming to the ticket men "I'm stuck on cruise control!!!"

I finally find an open road - no other cars to pass.
Now all I have to do is drive 'till I run out of gas.
Of course, it would be helpful if a cop came by - yeah, right!!!
The only time you need one there is never one in sight.

So then I'm finally out of gas but I don't have a clue!
No trace of civilized humanity comes into view.
I'm out of gas, I'm tired, I'm lost...I'm really in a hole
And all because I tried to use that blasted cruise control!!

To make these matters worse, there is a nuthouse out of sight
Who had two homicial madmen make a break last night.
Do I hear footsteps in the dark?....have mercy on my soul!!!!!!
All I'm really saying is...I DON'T LIKE CRUISE CONTROL!!

Orlando has gone by me now. Daytona Beach has, too.
Before long I'll see Jacksonville come shining into view.
I'll take the by-pass 'round the town and, when it's left behind,
It won't be long that I will have sweet Georgia on my mind.

There is a bridge there right around the Florida-Georgia line
Where marsh and islands right off-shore lie in a grand design.
A heavy mist comes off the water at the crack of dawn
Which always makes me feel like I am seeing Avalon.

It's such a wondrous sight - between the rising fog and clouds
It makes one feel the land is cloaked respendently in shrouds.
I don't believe the human eye can view this floating mist
Surround the islands and not know that heaven does exist.

Hello, goodbye, Savannah. South Carolina straight ahead.
I settle back and let some random thoughts run through my head.
A long drive is the perfect time to think back and reflect
On everything one's done in life in proper circumspect.

The would haves, should haves, could haves, didn'ts, and what did I do's
Can cause a man some pleasure or can make him sing the blues.
A myriad of faces from my past pass on parade
As I applaud or give thumbs down to choices I had made.

I think of times where I wish I had had a second chance,
Regret the times an unkind word cost friendships or romance.
Instinctively, I turn to see if Max might need to pee
Then catch myself and realize that there is only me.

Ok, enough of reminiscing...time to sally forth.
South Carolina's history and now I'm in the North.
Hello, miss Charlotte. How's my girl? It's nice to see you there,
Sweet town of southern flavor and sophisticated air.

The easy part is over now 'cause let me tell ya, dude
The hills of the Virginias have a serious altitude!
High mountain roads wind up and down, around and in-between
The greatest panoramic views these eyes have ever seen.

For hours I travel mountain highways with God as my guide
And twice go straight through tunnels drilled into the mountain side.
There will be many thoughts and recollections I'll recall
But the hills of the Virginias I'll remember most of all.

There were some times I stopped at unknown towns to have a bite,
A diner or a small cafe in towns that had one light.
Some home-made meatloaf, spuds and beans with okra on the side
Will always suit me fine, along with chicken Southern-fried.

There is a joke - what has three teeth with IQ of a mouse?
The answer is, of course, the night shift at the Waffle House
But I have always found these folks as friendly as could be
Who served the meals with lots of smiles and hospitality.

It really was quite fitting I arrived on Memorial day
To see the golden capitol dome of Charleston, W. VA.
I drove in on Westmoreland Road and crossed Chuch Yaeger bridge..
Pearl Harbor Survivors Highway wound around the mountain ridge.

On the other side of town, Pearl Harbor Highway then gave way
And changed to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.
Olt-timers sat around in uniforms - no, not psychotic..
It was their day to show the world that they were patriotic.

I must confess when I drove through it made me teary-eyed
To see so many people in such grand display of pride
A thanks to all the soldiers who had kept our country free
And gave their lives so we may live in peace and liberty.

So now I'm in Ohio, almost at my journey's end.
My daughter and her graduation lie around the bend.
We'll spend some days together, share some memories and then
I'll gas the old Mercedez up and do it all again!!!