Tallahassee Driving

upon hard grey streets of asphalt I drive
through morn’s muted orange glow 
white headlights shine, red brake lights blink in time
with changing signals red, yellow, green
disoriented city visitors a hindrance to the flow
why at seven a.m.

now stopped two cars back waiting for green
a woman in a minivan ahead primps methodically 
striving in effect to give herself a perm.
the man beside is engrossed in the news
early edition of  today’s tabloid spread over the wheel
will he know when it’s time to go

behind, a husband and wife, I assume
each talk animatedly on their phones
while obnoxious unrestrained children carouse 
a movie playing on the DVD
an ancient pickup stopped in the suicide lane
right turn flashing “let me in!”

green, the light changes, yet still we wait
one, two, three and horns start to blare
shaken are they from hypnotic states
virtual hair salons, libraries, and phone booths abandoned
traffic moves once again in earnest
until the very next crowded intersection.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2005



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Date: 11/30/2008 1:21:00 PM
So real in feeling, great images! Congratulations on being featured where more of us can read your poem! ~ Carrie
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Date: 11/29/2008 9:36:00 PM
Michael - Congrats on having your poetry featured this week – Great Job & God Bless, MJ
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Date: 11/24/2008 6:05:00 PM
Congrats Michael on your narrative "Tallahassee Driving" being featured. I still rank Boston and New York City as the two best sanity testing areas to drive. God Bless. Vince
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Date: 11/24/2008 4:54:00 PM
Interesting perception in this poem. So much truth in your words. Nice use of imagery. Congratulations on being featured. Wishing you continued success with your writing. Karen
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Date: 11/24/2008 11:18:00 AM
Congratulations Michael on your wonderful poetry being featured this week. Love, Shar
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Date: 11/24/2008 6:25:00 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved write being featured this week Michael. Love, Carol
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