DOWN COLD LANES
Ending a blue-sky day–
serrated winter clouds edging into dusk,
the car’s engine responds, slips shaded curves,
raked leaves trailing into gutters,
veiling macadam and asphalt tar.
I follow lanes of eroding light,
high, flowing bayou stream
glimmering to the west.
Five white SUVs break traffic laws,
speed and refuse to yield.
King’s guitar on CD stings the people’s chord,
vibrato loud from open windows.
Aromas from family dinners, scents of
burning pine or oak silt the air.
I remember laughter, her hands
sorting music for the road,
remember warming each other
walking from the car.
At end of chilly days, smoky cat
never answers greetings.
Longing and memory never cease.
About the Author: R.T. Castleberry is a widely published poet and critic. His work has appeared in Roanoke Review, Trajectory, Blue Collar Review, White Wall Review, The Alembic and Visitant. Internationally, Castleberry’s work has been published in Canada, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and Antarctica. Mr. Castleberry’s work has been featured in the anthologies, Travois-An Anthology of Texas Poetry, The Weight of Addition, Anthem: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen and You Can Hear the Ocean: An Anthology of Classic and Current Poetry.
Image Credit: John McWilliams “VIEW EAST ON THE SOUTHEAST/SOUTHWEST FREEWAY (IN THE HISTORIC F STREET CORRIDOR) FROM THE TENTH STREET PROMENADE, SW – L’Enfant-McMillan Plan of Washington, DC, Washington, District of Columbia, DC” Library of Congress
As It Ought To Be 