| |
|
We drive north on the highway
heading for Reno.
My husband urges me
to put my seat back to rest.
I close my eyes and feel
my body sway gently side to side
with the tires spinning
against grooved pavement.
The rocking motion transports me
back to my father's 1950
powder blue Packard.
We are going south to Miami.
My baby brother is asleep
on the back seat
scrunched up against Robbie,
and I am lying in the back
on the floor, an army blanket
draped over us.
I look out the window and see
the blackest sky filled
with blinking stars
as white as my brother's
bleached diapers.
The radio is playing up front.
I hear a strong voice singing,
"He's got the whole world
in his hands,
the whole wide world
in his hands."
I rock gently back and forth,
my body curled over
the carpeted drive shaft,
knowing someone
is holding us right
in the palm of his hand.
From Why I Miss New Jersey (Everhart Press, 2013)
Used here with permission.
|
Barbara Eknoian lives in La Mirada, California with her extended family, daughter, son, and grandchildren. She is the author of four novels, two poetry books, and a collection of short stories--most of which offer entertaining details about growing up New Jersey. Barbara has attended Donna Hilbert's poetry workshop in Long Beach since its inception, and her fellow workshop poets are like family.
|
|
Jancan:
Lovely, descriptive, expressive piece
Posted 06/08/2021 08:15 PM
|
BAMars:
I feel the same as Peggy Turnbull. This brought me back to those early times where I felt both expectant and safe, off on some road trip with my parents. Thank you, Barbara.
Posted 06/08/2021 02:19 PM
|
wordartdjc:
This poem brings back so many happy and energized memories. Thank you.
Posted 06/08/2021 11:06 AM
|
peggy.turnbull:
A poem seldom carries me back physically to childhood. I had almost forgotten that sense of well-being until I read this poem. What a joy!
Posted 06/08/2021 10:14 AM
|
peninsulapoet:
Always a pleasure to look into Barbara's world. Her poems are straight from the heart.
Posted 06/08/2021 09:49 AM
|
bobby:
Takes me back to those shining and innocent years. Thank you. Bobby
Posted 06/08/2021 09:17 AM
|
cork:
I remember the carpeted driveshaft which made sleeping on the floor difficult.
Posted 06/08/2021 08:55 AM
|
|
|
|
My Cart 
