Life's Highway I

 Life's Highway I

Life’s highway, after

       a million years of Evolution

       is a well-traveled road.

It predictably and consistently stretches

       from birth

       to death.

Each of us has this road

       to travel

       with the most style we can muster.

From deadly lessons learned it is wise to avoid

       short cuts via Tobacco Road

       and John Barleycorn Lane.

Those selecting these travel options

       drive  dashingly

       to their destination.

However, past these off ramps it is

       clear highway for a long

       and pleasant ride.

And from here the road seems endless

       as you look and see only many more

       miles just like this one.

Small hamlets with names

       such as Balding, Softly and Faintly

       slow traffic and encourage contemplation.

Thoughtful highway design provides

       opportunity to stop for vistas

       to view weddings and birthdays.

Then one day of a sudden it is different

       as it becomes winding

       and with slow down curves.

Traditional wisdom now

       provides signage

       with a paternal tone.

Beware of excess weight

       and get lots of fiber

       and exercise often.

Check with your MD often,

       take your pills

       get lots of rest.

Study your Latin

       to determine what you have

       and how to pronounce it.

The people at the end of the road

       hide ugly truth by mumbling

       in a foreign tongue.

And one day you lie in bed

       and remember the highway

       traveled for so many years.

Doug Minnis October 28, 2010