Thoroughfare’d

How quickly I see myself
in terms of trails,
dirty and uneven,
pocketed with pebbles,
a path traveled once,
but never looked back on.
Unmarked and unchanged,
just an outlying connection
branching without notice
before it fades.

Oh, to be your highway,
stretching and connecting you.
I’d memorize your signs,
plan the stops, open my lanes,
sleep to the rhythm
of rush hour days,
certain we were driving somewhere:
the main artery.

Only today, I realized I was more
the unexpected detour,
sighs of an irritated traveler
seep from your galumphs
as you recycle a pity pattern,
dump your waste
behind locked doors.

Startling myself,
a shameful faint scar
of an addict,
you roll down your sleeves,
I finally see clearly:
I am not a headlight.
I barely raised pattern
on your flesh.

A poem worth revisiting, so my apologies if you’ve read this one before. I’ve reworked some bits, and now it feels much more impactful.

Cover Art: Charlespaints

11 responses to “Thoroughfare’d”

johnlmalone

we all long for connection: some powerful images here, K ; the second stanza is most poignant

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thanks, John. That one was first before, but I kind of like it 2nd. I’m feeling it out.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
  1. johnlmalone
    
    I’ve read it again; no, it definitely belongs where it is; there is a fine progression ….
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. K.Hartless
    
    Ah, thanks. Something done right today. 😉
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  3. johnlmalone
    
    yes definitely; pat yourself on the back more often; I am learning too —
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  4. K.Hartless
    
    Indeed. It’s what I tell my students, so I should be also be able to take my own advice. I think I need one of those head massagers so I can massage my own head. Sounds better than a pat on the back. 😂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  5. johnlmalone
    
    hahahah; yes, probably more useful 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
johnlmalone

btw stunning pic; it looks like a dead kangaroo at the wayfarer’s feet; is it an Australian road ?

LikeLike

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  I don’t actually know. I visited the artist’s page but there’s no country information. I couldn’t tell what it was, so roadkill kangaroo it is.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
Colleen M. Chesebro

Powerful!

LikeLike

Reply
Jeff Flesch

There is an awareness in this write that is inspiring, elucidating the impact of understanding pain and desire, and their interplay. Lovely write, K.

LikeLike

Reply