I drift through the gravel,

the unpaved corner revealing the vast road ahead.

this corner, though small, tests me.

cold tires in the summer are never good.

I cruise down the road, safe and secure.

up ahead I see bright skies and sunny days.

people talk on the radio, cheering me on.

sometimes music plays, uplifting and sweet.

as I ride, things only get better.

no stop signs, traffic lights.

nothing can slow me down.

the days get brighter and I take the top off.

my hair blows in the wind, bugs hit me in the face.

here and there I get the occasional check engine light,

but they always go away. 

taking another corner,

clouds roll in and rain begins to pour.

wet and cold, 

I come to a halt to see what is the problem.

a flat.

It’s fixed up fast, 

and I hit the road harder than ever.

speeding faster and faster,

not a care in the world.

the rain has passed and the skies glow in the morning sun.

there’s not a single bump in the road.

as the sun peaks in the sky,

I slow down and close the top.

time to cover some ground, 

miles of fresh asphalt ahead.

I pick up a hitchhiker.

she makes the ride more fun,

telling stories and passing the time.

she brings warmth and keeps me going.

fixes the engine, checks the oil.

the radiator whistles,

and she checks that too.

soon enough, 

the road widens.

yet as soon as the weather is perfect,

I take my eyes off the road just for a second.

Ice.

I never saw it coming, 

but it knew I was there.

the sun races down through the sky,

only a sliver illuminating the dirt of the road.

I kick up dust and throw back the top,

unpaved once again.

this time I don’t know where the road will lead me,

but the sun is setting on my chance to find out.