GOING BACKWARDS
I’ve never taken 157 South until today.
The road looks different, the ups
become downs, curves reversed.
Driveways that were hidden lead
to fronts of houses,
once back doors.
State route 157 North,
my road to the barn.
Daily I drive at sixty-five
to get there, passing the brick house
tucked behind white oaks,
For Sale sign at the end
of the drive. Over the one lane bridge,
I see only the right side
of the old farm house,
the tin roof and pine green shutters.
Sometimes in my mind, I walk the road
backwards. What curve did I miss
by taking the left? Was there a bridge
with room for two? Would I be able
to track the single line of footsteps
back and take the right turn?
Fathoms
