Stranger Along Route 66

bright blue sky with cotton ball clouds guides my road trip
Armed with tapes of folk songs from the seventies
I am uplifted by the scenery and Mama Cass.

Montana land is greening on all sides, proof of April showers
Songs are bursting out of my heart
I am out-singing the professionals!

Many discouraged me from taking this trip;
I felt an obsessive need; no idea where it originated.
Stranger along the highway waves as I fly past him.

I actually slow down and give him a human wave.
I am feeling charitable and generous. Should I give him a ride?
Maybe. I look back. What was his reaction?

He looks resigned. Maybe he needs some uplifting.
And I could use company.
I slam on my brakes and he comes running forward.

He leans in. “Peter Paul and Mary!” He exclaims.
My kind of guy.
The day just got better.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

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Bauer Avatar
April 21, 2021 at 11:33 AM
i love this story, caren, although i'd be too afraid to pick up a hitchhiker. sounds like it worked out for you, though...
Krutsinger Avatar
April 21, 2021 at 9:41 PM
I have picked up about 16 of them; and sometimes with my children who had to scoot over for three women DRESSED as nuns once when I realized they had been dropped off with a box of bibles at the wrong California suburb.
Debole Avatar
April 21, 2021 at 4:47 AM
Glad this stranger was a good one. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.
Krutsinger Avatar
April 21, 2021 at 9:41 PM
They have always been good to me. Strangers are just friends we have not met yet.
Hankins Avatar
April 20, 2021 at 8:16 PM
A stranger unaware can sometimes be an angel, or so I am told in Hebrews.
Hankins Avatar
April 21, 2021 at 9:14 AM
I don't recommend it, but I have picked up hitchhikers occasionally over the years. It can be dangerous; it can also be rewarding.
Krutsinger Avatar
April 20, 2021 at 8:26 PM
I believe this, and have picked up hitchikers.
Pettit Avatar
April 20, 2021 at 7:59 PM
Did you see Martin Milner and George Maharis in their Corvette along the way? Another nice piece, Caren.
Krutsinger Avatar
April 20, 2021 at 8:09 PM
I saw them both.
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