Nowhere the Slipstream
by Odin Roark

In the beginning…

Free movement abounds,
unaware the dangers ahead.

Two lanes.
Seven lanes.
Life choices always beckoning.
Follow the impulse.
Everyone says that’s what it's all about.

First time…

A grade school playground.
Aggression dominates.
Calm takes willpower to stay on the side lines.
Fomenting followers bluster, “Failure! Wuss!

Steer to the "follow" lane.
Surge to the power's fast lane.
Let the pull take you as the bully in front,
breaks your resistance, ambition,
unstoppable.

Free rides.
No risk.
Others fend your cleverness.

School yards.
I-Hop revisits.
GPA on top.
Graduation.
Freedom.
Pedal to the metal.

"The World is a Vampire"
you know not.

Not yet.

The interview.
The job.
The suction again.
The fast lane your companion.
The exit ramp your option.

Quintessential speed.

Follow the leader.
Rise to the top.
Become the power.
Meet the future spouse.

Ah…

The speed.
That pull’s still there
The free ride's still free.

The glory.
The history.
The babies.
The promotions.
The divorces.
The...

The...

The return.
The dirt roads.
The two wheeled bike.
The ruts.
The flats.
The...

The...

Cursed slipstream is nowhere.

Nirvana.