The I-5 Poem by Jason Caporaletti

Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

On the I-5
going 35
on the right side
with a flat tire
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Tried the spare tire
broke the tire iron
on the roadside
Have to drive
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Political signs
that I pass by
Dust bowls and farmer’s rights
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Passerby
on the left side
Headlights
Almost blind
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Road sign
35 miles
to the next right
off the I-5
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Wind dies
burns my eyes
Stench of cow pies
Wipe my tears dry
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Check the time
4: 25
The long night drive
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Eyes wide
down the straight line
of the I-5
Just a few miles
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Realize
on the right side
See the town lights
from the Grapevine
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump

Now the exit
to end it
Thump-thump... Thump-thump...