November 2005
Can I buy an American Spirit for the road?
because the foliage is at its finest week,
I drive methodically through
the backcountry, the crested hills,
and the woods so full of pride
because of the amazement of colors
beyond its yellowed depths and reddened walls;
I might not even want to ash my cigarette on these days
but let the true American spirit take the smoke
and ash far away from this beautiful countryside,
I feel like an ash myself, somehow polluting
the colors with the fumes from my car,
I should really just get that bike I keep thinking about,
and I would ride even slower along the road
as the oranges, reds, and so many colors would wrap
an autumn quilt around my bike with a natural golden velvet,
a sheath of the country, I can’t take my eyes away,
but oh! a covered bridge that I must drive through,
I take it slowly as it makes those covered bridge noises, squeaks
and creaks as though it may come crashing down
but not today or anytime soon,
it is almost as natural as the surrounding it stands;
I continue to drive and turn and turn and turn not knowing
what is beyond but a guess would suggest
more lush Northeastern foliage
at one of the best times of the year;
and my most favorite part of all
is a young fellow who rides with me
in the passenger seat,
he is my dog who takes in the glory,
maybe even a little bit more than myself.