crawl

∴ far from home, on a nearly forgotten road |
hunger’s call–Jillie’s “haven” answers
with flickering flames and patrons’ laughter |
sustenance and drink, a refueling after an epic hike |

clad in hippie-rangeresque gear
contemplative beads, i enter
into gritty earth tones
companions’ gazes through handheld lenses |
red and plaid and silent scrutiny amidst raised glasses and cans |

a chuckle within, unchanged
unchallenged, my roots deep below

garbled “City at Night” stumbles through
as ironic undertones beneath the bustle
and scent of hide, old sweat mingling
with cool night air
antlers and trophies crawling over every inch |
witnesses with glass eyes to the tired
and the raw neon’s frenetic buzz alter

seated at the worn bar and order a hearty meal |
(a kitchen fits in this space-time defiance?)
a drink… two
each greeted with a nod
and finger guns–pew pew–from the bartender |

falling into reflection
the setting sun’s fading light
still lingers in my eyes
a day seeking solace among summits
and horizons

food arrives, whisking me back to the now
·
my belly filled, a parting thank you
the journey again resumes
closer to home ∴