Twice each year,
we migrate.
As a child my parents drove
from Mexico to Michigan every spring,
then back in fall.
Dirt roads, blacktop,
Nesbitt's orange
and Stroh's Bohemian for dad.
"Again? For fuck's sake," says my sig other, encouragingly.
Sig Other is sober, stable,
uncomplaining.
I gift him this shared happiness
and kindly drive.
______
for Sunday Muse #128 and Flash 55.
This superficially simple little road song is perversely charming and disarmingly perverse. I love the images you conjure, of our captive lives and illusory freedoms, and in the end, perhaps the real ones we can grow. What a kickass 55, Shay, and an amazing, wise riff on the Muse pic as well.
ReplyDeleteThe journeys of life stick with us and sometimes we venture back down those same blacktop roads. I love this Shay. It is brilliant in it's simple yet deep message. Incredible as always my friend!
ReplyDeleteI love the not-obvious contradiction in the last stanza -- "For fuck's sake," vs encouragingly, The volume of your own happiness enough to compensate for the grumpiness of Sig Other.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the title.....migration patterns according to astrological signs is an idea only you could come up with.
ReplyDeleteThis folds the perspectives of child and adult as compactly as an adult. I remember the first time I drove my young nephew around, thinking that my grandparents did this with us every summer and realized I was finally on the other side of the wonder/worry divide.
ReplyDeleteThe patterns set in the DNA. The 'new blood' in the venturing proves to be compatible, told with a dry humor. Loved it. Made me smile.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem of the road, rich in color, and memories. I wish I had written this.
ReplyDeleteHang on to that sig other. Sober, stable, and uncomplaining wrapped in one package are hard to find!
ReplyDeleteMigration physically and mentally in the backdrop of life. I wonder where this road is going and who really wants to drive is the bigger question. Sometimes we need the stability of the moon.
ReplyDeleteI like your road trip tunes. And your words too.
ReplyDeleteI wonder of Michigan, now that my elder son has taken his own road trip and moved to the UP. He prepares for winter, with his GF, noting the stores are full of bespoke Gin. ~
ReplyDelete"You've told me this story before."
ReplyDelete"Yes but I love you so much I just can't help telling it again (and a reason?).
I have several of those, who better to tell it to when you just feel like telling it again with all the up hills and down hills.
..
Suffer the little children ... My Dad's beer was Stag. On the road again actually made me happy. Still does.
ReplyDeleteSober, stable and uncomplaining? Wherever did you find such a person?
ReplyDelete