Home » Poems » Crystol Woods » Riding in the Back seat

Notes About The Poem

Tanka Haiku contest Sponsored by Oliver Mckeithan July 2025 One of my favorite memories is traveling with my family when we were younger. Mom in shot gun, dad driving, my older sister and younger brother throttling each other! Lol But driving home late at night after a fun holidayparty, bellies full, safe and giving our parents all our trust. Then snuggling into the warmth of close bodies, and the contrast of chilly air hitting my face as I rest my head against the window. The hypnotic swoosh,swoosh of wipers and roar of the road. Best sleep ever!

Riding in the Back seat


moonlight turns raindrops
into snow globes on windows
reflections of us
late night driving in the rain
drowsy eyes drop into sleep

window cracked, white noise 
lights flickering through the rain
my eyes flutter closed

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John Fleming

Date: 8/3/2025 12:26:00 AM

Reminds me of so very long ago when my mother would stow away all four of us into the back of the car...and my father would begin the long drive to Scotland. The motorway would end at the border...and then the real driving began. Your words bring so many memories flooding back, Crystol. Enjoyed! :) john

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/3/2025 6:18:00 AM

So glad to have brought good memories for you! Ty for stopping by! Xo

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/1/2025 9:14:00 PM

I love nostalgia like this. So lovely, Crystol

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/2/2025 8:07:00 AM

Tysm! Xo

CayCay Jennings

Date: 8/1/2025 12:59:00 PM

I'm concerned you didn't see below so I'm telling you in this box: globes is one syllable. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/4/2025 6:24:00 AM

Ty CayCay... Good looking out for me! I really appreciate it! Xoxo

CayCay Jennings
Date: 8/2/2025 11:34:00 AM

HOWMANYSYLLABLES.COM SAYS ONE. Caps weren't intentional. The counter on Soup is hit and miss in accuracy so most sponsors use howmanysyllables - it's the best. CayCay

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/2/2025 8:07:00 AM

Thank you CayCay! I did check twice on ps syllablecounter... it's saying globes is 2 syllables...ugh. ;) i agree with you that it seems it would only be one. Xo

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 8/1/2025 12:59:00 PM

Dear Crystol, I could feel the warmth of family, the magic of road trips, and that pure trust kids have tucked into the back seat. It’s just beautiful. You managed to put the sound and feel of childhood contentment into words that like raindrops in the moonlight. Keep chasing those little moments for they’re what make your poetry glorious. Blessings, Dear Crystol, Daniel

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/2/2025 8:05:00 AM

Hey great to hear from you! Thank you, as ever you make my poem seem better than it is with your beautiful review! Xo

Bill Baker

Date: 7/31/2025 4:53:00 PM

Nice Tanks, Crystol, dangerous drive though. Good luck in the contest, my friend. A poet friend in Texas, Bill

Crystol Woods
Date: 7/31/2025 5:32:00 PM

Oh not with my Daddy driving lol! Thanks so much! Xo

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 7/31/2025 4:43:00 PM

nicely penned, Crystol....a beautiful combination and contest entry. your poem should place well, have a splendid evening, Sara

Crystol Woods
Date: 7/31/2025 5:31:00 PM

Tysm!xo

CayCay Jennings

Date: 7/31/2025 4:24:00 PM

I was touched by the notes because I relate. Being an Army brat, there were many summer drives to GA where my parents were both raised. Xmas eve car rides for lights. And other. Mom, Dad, Bro, Lil Sis and me - songs sang, games played, memories/feelings made - so the intro is a poem in itself, and actual contest entry is perfect, 'cept I think u want an 's' on globe. I have sent you a soup mail. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

CayCay Jennings
Date: 8/2/2025 11:44:00 AM

I regret I don't have confidence in sending a link, never sent one on Soup and I don't want to strain my brain yet, haven't finished coffee. It is on the 5th page of my poems and called, 'Family Highway Time.', dated 3/8/17. Only read if you'd really like to do so. I think you'll laugh, again all true except the part about crashing and an ambulance.

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/2/2025 8:04:00 AM

Can you send me a link to your poem family highest time? I couldn't find it...thanks! Xo

CayCay Jennings
Date: 7/31/2025 7:36:00 PM

No, no, no, my dear. Globe and globes are both just 1 syllable, I wouldn't have 'helped' otherwise.

Crystol Woods
Date: 7/31/2025 5:31:00 PM

I do want an s on globe but that makes it 8 syllables rather than 7! Ugh...I may have to fix that line i suppose lol. I'll check it your poem! Thanks! Xo

CayCay Jennings
Date: 7/31/2025 4:37:00 PM

Oh, you might enjoy, "Family Highway Time", should you read it, please bear in mind that 3 stanza is much exaggerated but there were loud, dramatic reactions.

Robert Pettit

Date: 7/31/2025 3:25:00 PM

Make sure the driver does not feel this same way, or you will not get to your destination. Good write.

Crystol Woods
Date: 7/31/2025 3:32:00 PM

Heehee.. right?! Thanks!

Tom Woody

Date: 7/31/2025 3:22:00 PM

Awesome tanka Crys. You really set a mood and one I think most of us can identify with. The windshield wiper noise could also be hypnotic as well as the tire sound on the road and even the highway bumps. Before long - zzzzzz

Crystol Woods
Date: 7/31/2025 3:33:00 PM

Exactly lol...I think you tube even has a recording of that noise to fall asleep to! Ty! Xo

Riding in the Back seat

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