The Highway
I hit the road
Innocent, naïve, unsure
A destination unknown
Just a general direction
Not aware of a goal
Except to survive
The Highway, dangerous
Vehicles fly by, racing on their paths
Seemingly at the speed of sound
Vehicles prestigious and rare
Valuable markers of riches
Possessed by the drivers
While I, in my rickety sub-compact
Struggle to stay at the speed limit
The Highway never ending
Every day, I drive, pushing onward
Dodging potholes and hazards
Husks of vehicles long forgotten
Burned out by the roadside
As I whizz by, steadily onward
Driving to the goal
The unknown destination
For years, I drive
The unexpected detour
Leads me to yet another highway
I can’t stop without falling victim
To failure and poverty
I must drive on
Now, I see signs for the destination
Those last thirty miles
Seem to last longer than those
That have come before
Will I have the energy to keep moving?
Will I ever get there?
--
I finally reach the exit
I can leave the Highway forever
Never to return
Instead, I will drive the friendly roads
Through the countryside
Taking my time
Scoping out the scenery
Absorbing every sunset
Stopping by the roadside
For wine and cheese
And hours of conversation
With newfound friends
Who have also left the Highway
For the peaceful backroads
Thank God the Highway has an end!