It is absolutely horrific the way the icy oobleck sticks to the windshield wipers and the defroster does so little to change my field of vision. The going is so slow for a major interstate at only 35 miles per hour and every bridge and overpass is a potential chance for a spinout. Driving at dusk can be a terrible time to put one's life in a more than compromising situation anyway, and I say a silent prayer that it will all let up soon. Not that patience isn't one of my more decent traits. I do enjoy a challenge and am very bloodhound-like when on my trail. This day is far from what I would call a heavenly jaunt. I am in my early 50s, not too muscular and very deep sad brown eyes, some could say my demeanor is unfathomable. Really, I do have nothing to hide. Although many disappointments have left me rather aloof, I still have much soul and heartfelt optimism, it's just that abrupt feeling that no one will ever really truly know me for who I am.
Looking for a CD to sing along with and fumbling with the arm rest, still creeping along the freeway, I chastise myself for taking on one more quest of mercy in a harsh heartless mechanical modern world. One exit ramp after another is flowing into the next interchange and next tune into the speakers and before I know what is occurring the turn signal is blinking and I am rolling up a vaguely familiar exit ramp. My mind is drifting into the future of what can really be.
She is sitting on the couch, reading Gibran or a good book that never seems to get old. The is a gentle grin on her face and I picture myself there, one arm around her shoulder the other hand holding a glass of pinot gris, drifting into that mystic passion that is so contenting. I am going to be late, so late, more than an hour. She is a lady of plain old-fashioned comfiture and I am too. Still, she will greet me with a hug, a warm kiss and we just will laugh being so happy to see each other again. We more than likely will move into the bedroom and watch some silly old black and white comedy...laughing at how ludicrous the whole day has been and the beauty of mother nature's charms.
Every traffic light seems to take 20 more minutes, and I check my breath, coat my cracked mouth with lipcoat and stare into the rear view mirror. It truly has been a past to put into the books. There goes State St and then Packard, block after block... She won't care but it does feel good to look at my best for her. Just to admire her eyes once more. Jamming the things to carry into the house in a cheap plastic grocery bag to protect them, hey, it may not be the best but whatever works. Good grief the wind chill will spin your head around. Not to mention make your nose drip incessantly.
A huge smile and feeling of anticipation courses through my entire vascular system, my butt barely feels numb from the journey, anymore. Looking into the headlights of other drivers swishing by I can't help but feel the loneliness of this miserable gloomy icicle storm, everybody rushing into their own creative entities of life's passion play. Clicking the turn signal for the last time today, I roll up the driveway and park. Slinging my laptop over my right shoulder, I grab my cellphone, clothing change and kick the truck door open with my left foot. Wow, the wind is still howling! Running up the sidewalk between the oobleck dripping I can't help but think of all the wait, the inconsiderate drivers have all faded into the past for me. She is there for me. Smiling her Mona Lisa smile. My eyes are saying in ways more than words can express, how enlightening it is to just be with her again. Poetry in motion.
Gently, I pull her against me. Wrap my left arm around her waist, God this is bliss, "Hello Sweetheart..." I whisper in her ear though her long velvety hair. I press a kiss into her forehead. I feel the glow of her smile. Who ever knows when a moment can be so perfect, so undiminished? Life is good, again..
