Traffic and Children (poem)

jboelhow

Traffic and Children

I think someone forgot to tell me
that traffic lights have become optional
What happened to this brake pedals?
when did they start making them
work only if you slam on them

We are our worst behind the wheel
start the ignition
forget how to feel
anything but anger
We’ve learned to wave
to each other
with only one finger

Such a hurry
Got to go, got to go.
To a job
We spend most of the time complaining about
Such a hurry
Got to go, got to go
Home
to only sit in front of the TV
watching a show we taped anyway

I watch as a car pulls out in front of me

“Stupid, Mother ….”
But, I stop myself
I’ve got children in the backseat

“Daddy…?”
Yes, son.
“We don’t say stupid do we?”
No we don’t, daddy’s sorry.
“Look! Big Truck.”

I am reminded that this life
isn’t about the destination
It’s how we get there that counts

“Dad, dad there’s a squirrel!”
As a minivan with a family cuts in front of me
I laugh
“Well, I just saw a bird.”