Freeway Driver

White Knuckles on the Steering Wheel

I don’t know why this image of an angry and frustrated freeway driver stayed with me but it has turned into a descriptive poem of sorts.

The freeway driver slips into the flow of traffic and hums along with the music.  Five miles travelled  and five miles to go but the traffic turns into a crawl as he passes a multi-car accident and sees police officers, paramedics, and firemen trying to help the dazed and injured victims.

He worries that the car behind is following too closely.  An RV pulls into his lane and nearly collides with the front of his car.  His heart rate is pumping as he exits the freeway.

His hands are still clutching the steering wheel, his knuckles are white as he catches a glimpse of three happy young faces at the window. They dash out the door to tell their stories.  Little Cindy has some artwork in her hand and tries to outrun her sister.  The freeway wreck clenches his teeth and hollers in pain, “Get back in the house!”

Downtown Deli

Restaurant Jargon

I don’t remember who accompanied me but I remember lunch time in a Los Angeles deli and a waitress with wide hips who could barely maneuver herself around the tables.  I ordered a Reuben sandwich and my friend did the same.  The waitress bellowed out, “Two’s a pair!” and my friend and I laughed.  It was so delightfully spontaneous and fresh and an unmistakable communication with the chef.  I made a mental note of it and think someday I might insert it into a short story.  After all, the phrase has been composting for over 30 years.