That Lonesome Desert Road

There is an awe in the soul When travelling across the desert’s night. Silence except for the rhythmic roll, Signs that light and go dark with the flight. Stars brilliant, saucer-sized Against the darkest blue, Still apprehension in the loneliness Of desert’s nightly hue. Saguaro cacti’s moon-lit silhouettes As sentries standing guard, A dome of tiny city lights, So very far, so very far. Sand hill shadows concealing Sleeping crawling creatures unseen, A white stripe seemingly to nowhere, Fading into where it has been. And a father sings to pass the time, “Look down, look down,” That lonesome road, Before you travel on…” “Look up, look up, And meet your Maker ‘Fore Gabriel blows his horn.” And a little child sleeps Across the back seat And remembers.