The Other Side of the Road is Ploughed

I drove

going north

every few miles

the temperature dropped

while the snow piled up

on my side of the road

As the trees grew thicker

the car moved slower

the tire’s traction

dissolved as did

all feelings of security

and control of the future

Oncoming traffic

passed unencumbered

their path recently plowed

led to a warm meal

acceptance, support

and loved ones

The road traversed

presented isolated options

snow covered others’ tracks

leaving me alone,

searching the darkness for

a better route

The corner of my map

mutilated from use

pointed to nowhere

direction unidentifiable

the cars in the rear view mirror

clearer than the lights ahead

But I drove hoping

over the next mountain

beyond the next corner

a snow plough would emerge

to clear a path that would

point me home