we rode off
along the escarpment
over the railroad tracks
after the crooked turn
the houses
in the rear
shrinking as we ascend
the sky growing ahead
reaching trees
welcome us at the top
as we join
the broken gravel road
tires grumble
stone fling against
dirt and dust fly
storming as we ride
passing by fields
deep ditches
busted mailboxes
animal carcasses
your home on the corner
broken wooden fence
broken down sedan in the driveway
i look over
to the open door