The Long Road Ahead

The fuel gauge read three quarters full

when I began to sit and mull

the trip thus far and how it'd been;

The where, the why, how, and when.

One quarter tank I had used

and already I felt much abused.

I had seen and done many things.

This car of mine had many dings

dents, scratches, and a fair bit of rust

not to mention a good coat of dust.

Some would say the trip had just begun

and I need to relax and have some fun.

Some claimed I had fuel enough to reach the end,

a wonderful place where I could spend

many days in tranquility and peace.

A place where I could find a whole new lease

on life itself and the meaning of,

where I could soar with ease of a dove.

All claimed they knew the trip was long,

and that to make it I must listen to the song

the radio plays constantly

that it alone will set me free

and make this drive bearable

erase from mind the hysterical

maddening images I have seen

and the terrible places I have been.

But none do know the route I took

to arrive at this point where I overlook

the trip behind me and the journey ahead

and the other route I could take instead.

I could abandon this car and the journey of others

set out on foot and join my brothers

and sisters who wander the countryside

who realized the end wasn't worth the ride.

But three quarters full the gauge is reading

and though it's easy to be self defeating

I have enough curiosity left inside

to travel a few more hours of this ride.