The Journey

The wheels turn, the road stretching in to the distance. I hear the hum of the engine buzzing like a thousand honey bees. The broken white lines flash past in my rear view mirror on their never ending race to the horizon. I feel as if I'm standing still. Is it me that's moving, or is it the world around me? Since you left I just don't know. Each day is but an image of the day before, each moment I live again and again, as if the same instant has been set to loop, over and over and over. I wish I could see you, but you are lost to me. I wish I could call you, but If I do and you don't answer... The fear is just too great. My poor heart wouldn't last a moment. I miss you so. Who would have thought it would end like this. I guess you knew. The road is now turning and I see mountains before me, just another obstacle ahead. I've jumped life's hurdles on more occasions than I care to count. It's nothing new, but now I grow weary. Is it truly worth the pain? The rains have come and gone, and left everything wet. The road is slippery. I should mind my way, but my thoughts are of you, always you. I know I will never again hear the soft whisper of your gentle words, the tinkling bells in the joy that is your laughter, the illuminating gaze of the light from your caring eyes. As well it should end this way, our road diverging into separate paths, yours running straight and true, mine meandering to no specific destination. I once had no fear of the road. As long as the stars gazed down upon me the journey was always my companion and I was where I should be. Lost is just a word people use when they think they know where they are going. I have never been lost, not until you. Now home seems so very, very far away. I'm not sure I have enough fuel to make it. I see a road sign not far ahead of me but all of the paint has been scraped away. So I'll just keep traveling on until this beat up old car can't run anymore, and perhaps that's where I'll stay. Better yet, I see fresh pavement veering from my path, Perhaps I'll find a new road to travel.
08/07/2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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Ashley Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 7:08 PM
James, I was captivated by the heartache so exquisitely expressed in your beautiful verses; 'Lost is just a word people use when they think they know where they are going. I have never been lost, not until you.' The emotional imagery of your poignant piece touched the depths of my heart easily and with certainty. Congratulations on your excellent win.. ~Susan
Inman Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 7:28 PM
Hi Susan, thank you for your visit and wonderful comment. I haven't had a chance to read all of the contest entries but what I've read have been great.
Faulkner Avatar
October 1, 2018 at 2:55 PM
Love the lines 'the journey was always my companion, and I was where I should be' - I have felt exactly that many times, congratulations on your placement!
Inman Avatar
October 1, 2018 at 3:35 PM
Thank you so much Michelle.
Hamilton Avatar
October 1, 2018 at 11:21 AM
Wonderful write James, congrats on a fine win!
Inman Avatar
October 1, 2018 at 12:58 PM
Thanks John and thank you for the fine contest.
Onclaud Avatar
September 25, 2018 at 6:30 PM
ohh, a riveting piece made beautiful by your honest emotions and flow of words, james... glad to have read this.. huggs
Inman Avatar
September 25, 2018 at 8:00 PM
You know I was just thinking how I have not visited you for a while and here you are. Thank you Nette. It is such a pleasure to have you visit.
Da Avatar
September 7, 2018 at 12:25 PM
Life's journey is such a complex road to travel. You have described its pains, hardships and hope in a very brilliant way. Keep sharing your talent James!
Inman Avatar
September 7, 2018 at 3:20 PM
Karen, thank you for visiting my page. It is always a pleasure to hear how others feel about what I have written. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Murray Avatar
August 19, 2018 at 7:33 PM
I also love to keep moving James. I did a thousand mile circle in Scotland once, like you, just me and my motor. Next trip, Italy in October, staring in Rome and flying home from Sicily. You HAVE to try our Wild Atlantic Way sometime. Check it out!
Inman Avatar
August 20, 2018 at 4:17 PM
Jean, if only I could, sounds wonderful. My sister visited Ireland a few years ago then took my oldest daughter as a graduation gift when she graduated from High School. I haven't had the pleasure but I'd love to go.
Breidenthal Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 3:46 AM
Hi sweet James..wow...you already know I am always in awe when I read your work. This one has floored me yet again. Your thoughts, your expressions are unique and valuable. I can see you've poured your heart into this one immensely. My favorite part..."Lost is just a word people use when they think they know where they are going.I have never been lost, not until you."Brilliantly written, yet again. The ending is hopeful,which is good. Still cruising through the unknown as it were. Always, Laura
Breidenthal Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 6:29 PM
Wow! You never know what you're going to witness on your journeys! Road trips are nice. A good time to reflect and enjoy some solitude while not feeling trapped or stuck in one place. I recently bought a car and I am enjoying the freedom immensely. Thanks for sharing James. I'll be back to read some more. <3 ~Laura
Inman Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 7:59 AM
Hi Laura, thanks for the visit. You are too kind with your comments. Thank you. When I was young, I used to get in my car, just me, alone, and start driving. Several hundred miles later I would get a hotel room and the next morning head back home using a different route, sometimes, stopping along the way when I saw something interesting or just enjoying the view. I once was driving on a four lane highway in NC and saw an Ostrich running down the middle of the grass median. I thought it a bit strange (it likely escaped from one of the local farms). In a former job over a 15 year time frame, I drove more than 400,000 miles.
Daniel Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 7:46 AM
Loneliness oozing from every word, a great poem, James, I like the positive ending:)
Inman Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 5:52 PM
Thank you Jo, thanks for visiting.
Wigley Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 12:35 AM
A sad piece, with a glimmer of hope at the end. Much enjoyed reading, James. regards, Viv
Inman Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 7:29 AM
My life has had so many twists and turns I never know what's next Viv, at least its not boring. Thanks for the visit.
Roper Avatar
August 7, 2018 at 11:52 PM
Lonelyness is s a feeling I don't like to experience. Love the imagery you've created down a lonely road . Enjoy reading....
Inman Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 7:26 AM
I love to travel, what little I've done, and I love to drive, when I don't have to. Seeing what's around the next bend excites yet calms me, but life can sometimes be a monotonous drive. Thank you for your visit and your lovely comment Eve.
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