Our island is the only one in the United States crossed by an Interstate Highway - our only entrance and exit. For thirty years we have had use of HOV lanes. No more. The lanes now close to give way tomorrow to construction of light rail. With additional parking and other projects, we will probably face a huge crush of traffic around and across our island. A small blip to the world, but to me worth a poem.
Ode to a Road
Shall I compare thee to a summer stroll? Okay, no counting ways, I’m not the Bard. Nor is a concrete Interstate lea or glen. Still, a two-mile bridge floats on water Traverses a lake on days clear or rainy Cascade peaks rise snowy or bare in summer Shoreline homes nestle among verdant firs. As a child I dreamt of magic carpet travel. This two-mile stretch came close to realizing it, A strange thought with traffic such a dirty word. Yet that HOV path between roiling rivers Of bumper to bumpers was movingly relaxing. Tomorrow it’s gone, ceded to a train to come. Perhaps I’m alone in this crazy nostalgia. Other drivers may have craved speed. To each his or her own and carpe diem. I’ll wait the six years for a new dream In whatever form it takes, while mourning An experience I fully know only as it disappears.
Ed seems to be quite familiar with where you are referring. I once lived where an Interstate ran through a golf course. Anyway, it looks like you live in a little bit of paradise that may be a bit hard to get to without that HOV lane. Let's hope it's progress…
First, I had to see this magical island of which you pen nostalgic. So I rented a virtual craft thanks to Google Earth and leapt time and space to hover overhead, thence to soar along your shoreline. It was an impressive sight, Still, I came down to road level to see this concrete monster. Yes, it was ghastly with only the goodness to duck underground in favor of a ballpark and other greenery. The rest of my drive by took me through lush bushes and trees showing me that residents had the good sense to seek solitude from each other while enjoying their secret from the world. It was a pleasant flight on my magic carpet. I would seek refuge on that south shore--if I handle the price. Thanks for sharing part of your real-time, real-life there.
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Ron
Love ya!
Jane