DRIVING THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE
I’m driving the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Headed west at about 65.
The sunshine from blue above lights my path
As my dreams just come alive.
I love those distant mountains
As they reach to touch the sky;
And the trees, those luscious treetops ~
The sight of them soothes my eye.
The trees are brightened by the sun
In hues of green and yellow
Which reflect into my heart and soul;
I feel so peacefully mellow.
So much open space, pastures, and lakes
In the valleys and hills before me.
I dream of owning some land like this
By a river where we could be free.
We’ll build our log cabin on a mountainside
And start a little farm.
Maybe raise a horse, a cow, and some sheep,
And chickens around the barn.
We’ll plant a garden with corn and potatoes,
Pumpkins, beans, and, of course, flowers;
I’ll make a rock garden with cacti and sand
And a birdbath for cardinals’ showers.
I dream of the river flowing gently past
Our home, and it makes a cove
Where lush willows weep over the moss;
We can hang our hammock there, love.
In the shade we’ll swing by the water
And listen to bullfrogs jump in;
Dangle our feet over the edge to cool,
Or even take a swim.
We’ll picnic under the willows
And fish for trout in the stream.
What a lovely spot to read a book,
Write a poem, or just daydream.
The mountains alongside the turnpike
Are such inspiration for me.
Their simple beauty captures my eyes
And sets my dream-spirit free.
~ Shelley Evans
Named after poet Percy Shelley, nature inspires Shelley Evans; several poems are published, and she’ll publish a book soon. Shelley’s a wife, mother, secretary, WOK member, participates in open mic nights at Dagnys, CSUB’s poetry readings, and has entered poetry in the Kern County Fair. Rhyming is breathing to Shelley.
