The Road Ahead
Kate Mathalone
Backcountry roads
and hills exposed coal,
somewhere between Kentucky
and Arkansas.
Too tired to drive.
Just take me home, I thought.
I fell asleep in the passenger seat
while you took the wheel.
The winding highway
nudged me awake.
Under my heavy eyes and greasy hair,
I felt your glances.
The sun retreated,
urging us to stop for the night,
but we made good time
and covered many miles.
I’ll drive tomorrow, I said
I’m sorry for being exhausted.
We ate dinner in silence,
our thoughts on the road ahead.
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