“Inspired by my year-long 1970 motorcycle trip from Ohio to the west, that later became a key part of the impetus for my wife and I moving to Oregon in 1990.”
of my middle america
still in my mirrors
leaning comfortably into turns
breeze streaming my long hair
I begin to wind my way
into the mountains
into the golden evening
alive with two-wheeled freedom
master of the open road
not counting days
not keeping track
just feet up and flying
as I dash between shadow and light
the sun reveals itself
from time to time
from between the peaks
warming me
as it begins to settle
behind the western slope
of the mighty Rockies
I’ve shed structure
the heavy mantle of life
to venture into the random
into the unknown
to fully embrace life
the magnificent perfection
of simply living
in and for the moment
enjoying the thrill of the throttle
flying
without leaving the ground
twisting along the asphalt
as it snakes its way
upcoming curves often hidden
disappearing behind a rise
then surprising as I crest
roller-coastering my way west
mountain peaks soar ahead
enfolded in clouds
that roll snd tumble
through the brilliant blue
of the big western sky
I charge onward
transfixed by the wonders
that surround and astound
filled with exhilaration
just a touch of danger
to season this excitement
enthralled by the discovery
of what it truly means
to be free
rob kistner © 2019
‘the vast prairies of my middle america still in my mirrors’ … where I grew up and this line really hit home! Beautiful poetry, Rob.
Thank you so much Helen… 🙂
I can almost feel the wind in my hair. Such freedom on the open road, passing through little towns, wondering what it would be like to live there. I have done that all my life.
It is a wonderful kind of curiosity and amazement — one that stirs my soul to this day Sherry. Now I indulge it only occasionally, and from the safety and comfort of my car. But oh how beautiful those memories of that year of complete freedom remain for me!
This is a wonderful world perfumed with a nostalgia of old movies for me… makes me want to travel
Thank you Björn, glad this stirred your wanderlust! 🙂
What a glorious poem of taking to the road this is. Quite often I have felt this way too…albeit on four wheels!
Thank you OE! I will never forget that year of pure freedom. The close of that amazing trip was the line of demarkation, where began my adult life — and what an incredible beginning to what has proved to be an even greater adventure.
What a beautiful ride! Great job on your poem. I can feel the wind in my hair(oops.. on my head)!
Your blog post on d’verse did not show up today!
Thank you Dwight. Yes, my mane is but a memory as well… 🙂
What a wonderful journey – i could feel the freedom and sense of connection between you and the country around you
It was utterly amazing to be a free man on the road, taking meals where it was offered, and bedding down with any lady willing — and there were many! It was pure freedom Jae!
Love this picture of you On the Road 🙂 on two wheels. That is the way to experience all of the vastness, isn’t it? I’m so glad you did have the experience. I could see all of it when reading your vibrant poem.
Glad I could take you along Marian. Hope you loved it as I did!
I live seconds from the Blue Ridge Parkway and if I could see down the steep hill of our property, it snakes at its edge! Truly, I see travel this poem every day and see many motorcyclists experiencing it just the same way you describe it! It is’nt really all that dangerous – the speed limit (if followed – and it usually is) is set at no more than 45. (or is it 40?)
Before I moved to OREGON in 1990, I lived in Cincinnati, OHIO for 43 years. I rode motorcycles since I was 16. Did a 2-week MC tour almost every summer somewhere. I rode Triumphs and Sportsters in my early years. I have ridden my bike on the BRP and Shenandoah Skyline Drive, all through the Smokies and the Appalachians, all around the Great Lake states, and the Mid-Atlantic Coastal states, and Florida. I was part owner of a Honda MC dealership through the 80’s, and rode Interceptors during that period. My very last MC was a 1986 Honda V4, 1000cc Interceptor — which I sold when I moved o Oregon. You live in a beautiful part of our nation Margaret.
“I’ve shed structure the heavy mantle of life”…Love that line and the rush of freedom I get from this poem…Great job!
Thank you very much Susie! I am genuinely pleased this touched you… 🙂 It was a most incredible year of my life — WOW!