I was lovesick on long trips,
but Sara and I snaked highways,
merging to freeways
to see passersby,
sporting deadpan stares
as their days of despair draw near.
Sara glanced over and gave me a seductive smile,
and then returned her eyes to the road,
hands planted firmly on the steering wheel,
elucidating the heavy slow-motion sensation
that brought a whirlwind of smoke inhalation
as our dreams emerged
through tunnels, traversing fears
over bridges as headlights
blinking at us like bloodshot eyes.
Sara told me about plans to marry
before we even made the deal.
We arrived at a cabin at Lake Chelan,
and everyone was there.
Sara’s family,
and my mom.
“I told you if we were together after five years, I’d marry or find another lover,” she said. “It’s been five years, almost to the day,” Sara said, brushing a tear away. “Surprise.”
“The drive wasn’t bad.” I grabbed her hand and leaned in to kiss her.

Twitter – @AC0040

(© 2023 AC)

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