A Salute to Long Commutes

Was: On the Road Meditation
Now this:

Slow as a snail

I back the car,

Deep breath in

and into the light.

I tap the remote

garage door closes.

Deep breath out.

The car crawls

to the street.

I surround myself

In a green, calm light.

I am calm.

Cars whiz by.

I am calm.

Five minutes

Mindful breathing.

Break in traffic.

Be quick!

Breathe in

stomp on the gas.

Down the hill

to the freeway.

Time to destination,

Only 40 more.

Hyperventilating?

Breathe in

I am calm,

Smiling.

Hey you!

You didn’t yield.

Stay calm, serene.

Idiot.

Oops, breathe.

I accelerate

look for opening

To slide in.

Hey!

Let me in!

I nudge.

Nudge again.

Someone yields.

Phew

I’m free to go

Freeway

Breathe out.

Thirty-eight minutes

to go.

Must pass

a slow one.

Oh yes breathe in.

All’s good.

Pull to the left lane.

Another entrance,

A traffic dump

Wait.

There’s a truck

on my bumper.

Car next to me

speeds up.

I can’t pass.

Bumper truck behind me

much gesturing.

My nostrils flare.

I am breathing.

Breathe out.

I blow the air

forcefully.

Get off my bumper

I’m trying to pass.

I tap my brakes

a warning

too close.

No response.

Truck comes closer.

I speed up

trying to pass the car.

Breathe, breathe.

Car speeds up

and plays

match my speed.

Bumper rider

honks.

Gestures

move over.

I slow down.

Bumper rider

jerks truck

right, then left.

I slow down more,

car on right speeds ahead.

Indicators on.

going to right lane.

Bumper rider

beats me to it.

Car behind truck

picks up

new title

Bumper Rider 2.

Meanwhile

car in right lane

slows down

Bumper Rider 1

now penned in.

He’s gesturing.

What a cute

salute.

I slow down

even more.

Bumper Riders

one and two

pass me on the right.

More public salutes.

I am calm

I am serene.

Breathe

deep.