Speed of Escape

Raindrops muddy our cars
to the beat of windshield wipers,
swish, swish, swish …….

Hands gripping steering wheels
we maneuver the maze
of steel, plastic, and rage
with destination’s tunnel vision.

Buffeted by the storm inside and out
life rides on inflated tires turning
at the speed of escape.



© Susie Clevenger 2013


Comments

Vandana Sharma said…
Life is all about moving ahead no matter how many storms pass by.
Kay L. Davies said…
"turning at the speed of escape" — now there's an expression! I love it!
I've become a fair weather driver now. Easier that way.
K
Susan said…
That last stanza is amazing! Got it right there in the title. I see the raging in and out.
kaykuala said…
at the speed of escape

A lesson on how to make a fast exit mindful of bad weather. Nicely Susie!

Hank
Anonymous said…
This is fabulous Susie. A great metaphor! I have been caught in a car during a massive storm, where the sky turned black, and the roads flooded but there were so many cars there was no way to escape. It was very scary! I can see how that applies to life on an emotional/philosophical level as well. Humans are always trying to escape something aren't they?
sayan said…
concise..
and i love the phrase..speed of escape...running away from something we dread is always at a greater speed than running towards something we love...
J Cosmo Newbery said…
Storms inside and out stike home at the moment!
Jim said…
Very clever, Ms. Cleve(r)nger. :)
Our speeds of escape are never a constant but I do like mine to be fast.
..
Well, there are some things for which I NEVER WANT to escape.
..
LaTonya Baldwin said…
"turning at the speed of escape." Vivid, chock full.
humbird said…
Nice poem, 'speed of Escape' - cool snapshot! I'd say: slow down...take your time...do just more important things...Happy week, Susie! :)
I remember telling Riley, "Never get behind the wheel when you're angry. You might flip someone off and they might have more rage than you... and they might have a gun."

Thanks for the metaphorical "storm" as well as the inner storm, and our twin navigations of same. This is wonderful writing, Suzy, Amy
Timoteo said…
"at the speed of escape"

Knockout line!
ScottlB said…
Turning at the speed of escape, like that
Sherry Blue Sky said…
I once hydroplaned on a slippery switchback during a rainstorm - your poem took me right back there.
Marian said…
argh, and my defroster's on the fritz, makes for a challenging escape! love this, Susie.
Unknown said…
Preferable to hunkering down waiting for it to pass, in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
Unknown said…
Just goes to show sometime less is more
Ella said…
Oh, yes I know that storm well~
Love this one Susie!
Maude Lynn said…
That last stanza is really cool, Susie!
Kerry O'Connor said…
I love how you turned the literal into figurative at the end, Susie!
Ben Ditty said…
It's been a pleasure riding this storm with you.
Akila said…
Glad to be reading this again! Splendid piece