For Scott Wannberg

Scott


every time
I find that
dark side
of the road
and I think
I'm done for
this is going
to be it
sputtering
my last
tears and
breathing
my last
words
it's almost
done for good

then, like magic
your headlights
appear in the
distance
between us

they pull over
onto the shoulder
where I am certain
I am dying my last
lyrical death in this
maddening world
of miscommunications
parading as near misses

all I can hear in that
final moment is the sound
of the crackling gravel words
as they are getting closer

the headlights shine brighter

the crackling gravel words
under your tires
sing me the song

of my salvation
as I return to
the blacktop

riding free
once more