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Eight Hour Road Trip

Suzanne S. Eaton

retrieve the musty blue suitcase, well-worn from trips before.
carefully pack what you’ll wear for all occasions and all types of
weather—pack underwear, belts, shoes, vitamins, and toiletries.
decide how you’ll manage your hair and smell wonderful all the
time. pack your essentials, jewelry and fashion accessories.
grab a book or project—just in case you have extra time.
balance your checkbook, bring your card for gas—supplies for
bathroom stops, music and snacks for the road are a must.
pack a cooler with drinks and sandwiches and you’re off!

set the cruise on the exact speed limit, adjust the mirrors,
adjust the air. sunglasses! think! what have I forgotten? think!
did I turn off lights, turn down the heat and lock the door?
then the “devil-may-care” feelings set in. music! rock out! open
a soda or iced tea. drink it slowly and feel the lift of the caffeine.
amuse yourself with out-of-state license plates, count red diesels,
play the alphabet game as you pass road signs. so far to go!
set priorities for how you’ll spend your time when you get here.

sing with the radio, check out the navigator—you’re on the right track.
stare at painted dashes on the road as they roll to the side of you,
chew some peppermint gum. listen to talk radio, stop for gas.
take off your jacket, find a restroom, hit the road—sneak up your speed.
eat a sandwich. get drowsy, roll down the window. you’re almost
halfway—you can do it! call a friend, talk for a while. music! slow down,
there’s always a cop over the next hill. sigh! alphabet game again!
eyes get heavy—reach for the cooler—an apple will keep you awake.

think! stop for gas and caffeine, stretch your legs, restroom, cup of ice,
on the road again! slow down for construction, or is it an accident?
bumper to bumper traffic for way too long. chew crushed ice.
the seat is uncomfortable, shift around and put your foot up on the dash.
set the cruise. ten percent rule: speed limit 70, set it on 77.
keep your hand on the lever to drop it immediately and watch for cops!
mile after mile, eat pistachio nuts, spit out the shells. stop when your
tongue gets sore, get another drink. ugh! body aches! take off your shoes.

listen to a book on tape. emergency stop for a bathroom! get gas,
stretch your legs and brush off the seat, find some extra caffeine. music!
amp up your singing. dance in your seat while driving, move your stomach
and your shoulders with the music—feels so good. what’s the next town?
fatigue! just a little further. you can do it! almost there—jump out of your skin
sitting at the last red light, comb your hair, put on lip balm, get fresh gum.
park and walk quickly to your loved one’s door. knock. door opens wide!
smile. embrace. laugh together!

what road trip?

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