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Monday, November 15, 2010

INTERSTATE ANXIETY

                             I talk aloud 
                             to traffic
                             driving down 
                             the rainy highway

                             my history runs 
                             like a movie
                             in the back of my mind

                             I know this road 

                             spray fans from mudflaps 
                             in front of me

                             I sense my grown children 
                             as toddlers seeking 
                             freedom from 
                             their restraining belts 

                             my neck tightens 
                             with tension

                             I pass roadside 
                             restaurants
                             where we ate 
                             as a family

                             they waver 
                             at various ages
                             like the passing cars 
                             blurring through rain drops

                             views of us swipe by
                             with each pass of the wipers

                             while my eyes seek the center lines
                             and scan the rear view mirror
                             for approaching danger

                                      © Gay Reiser Cannon * All Rights Reserved


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15 comments:

  1. hedgewitchNovember 16, 2010 at 3:12 PM

    Sense of anxiety and tension very heavy in this one, with just the mildest fleeting flavor of sadness. The life/driving/highway metaphor works well, I think. I enjoy your work, my friend. Keep it coming.

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  2. anthonynorthNovember 16, 2010 at 4:23 PM

    This is so edgy. Perfect.
    By the way, i think there's a problem with your link on One shot.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 16, 2010 at 5:34 PM

    Wonderful word pictures. Love how you move through both nostalgia and looking forward, affection and concern.

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  4. AnonymousNovember 16, 2010 at 8:40 PM

    I love they way you brought the act of memory to the foreground and expressed the sense of impermanence.

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  5. Myrna R.November 16, 2010 at 9:51 PM

    This is lovely. I can relate to thoughts of your children, danger and letting go.

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  6. AnonymousNovember 16, 2010 at 11:37 PM

    Good metaphor. I've seen the driving metaphor used frequently with life - but you've utilized it well. It's used because it bloody well works. Relateable piece that really draws us along, anxiety and affection amplified and emphasized amidst the gathering storm. Oh, how the mind does twist itself up in its thoughts...

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  7. Brian MillerNovember 17, 2010 at 10:29 AM

    whew...made me think of traveling from FL to VA once in a snow storm...kept watching cars slide off the road and my heart was jack hammering the whole way...

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  8. AnonymousNovember 17, 2010 at 12:22 PM

    Having driven far too many miles on a knife edge, this one hit home. Great write Gay.

    Shan
    @Awdures

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  9. BelindaNovember 17, 2010 at 4:14 PM

    My, what a trip you took me on! I felt myself tensing up in some parts -- children wanting more freedom they haven't quite earned, rain blurring my vision, the anticipation of approaching danger...

    Very effective!

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  10. ninotazizNovember 17, 2010 at 7:53 PM

    Dear Gay,
    I so enjoyed this. I am not a very savvy driver. But having to drive back and forth to work daily over 50 km each way, I know all the tense moments and reminiscing you wrote about here.

    Thanks Gay...do love your poetry.

    ReplyDelete
  11. BeachannyNovember 17, 2010 at 10:52 PM

    Hi Everyone. I would have liked to answer each of your comments individually but it's the end of a busy day for me and a trip to the eye dr. (and more driving ;-) so I'll just say thank you for dropping by and saying such reassuring things about this piece. It came to me as I did make a long trip in the rain a couple of weeks ago. I always learn something from your comments about me, about my writing and about you my friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing.

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  12. ClaudiaNovember 18, 2010 at 7:48 AM

    oh this had a great depth...can relate to this feelings..and searching for the center lines...yes

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  13. Toyin O.November 18, 2010 at 4:38 PM

    Nice and intriguing poem.

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  14. AnonymousNovember 24, 2010 at 12:56 AM

    Greetings, How are you?
    It is a thrill to pay you a visit today!
    We have some special awards/treats for week 11 participants, and
    Old poems, or poems unrelated to our theme are welcome .
    Hope to see you in..
    http://jinglepoetry.blogspot.com/2010/11/poetry-potluck-magic-miracles-wonder.html
    We treasure your support !
    Have A Terrific Wednesday!
    Happy Thanksgiving Ahead!
    xxx


    love your blog,
    your poetry is fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  15. RGJanuary 11, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    Beautiful.
    Just a few words
    Transform a rainy day photo from a car
    Into a trip...
    Many trips...
    Transcending cultures
    And touching.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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