For Merril’s quadrille on dVerse Poets Pub and for my in-person Creator’s Studio
In Times Like This
“These roads are haunted now.” Salem’s Lot, Stephen King
Thin yellow sun blankets the roads.
I travel these roads without you now.
A frisson of loneliness runs down my spine
I am temporarily blinded by tears.
I swerve to avoid a squirrel zipping across the road,
granting it emporrary life.
A hawk searches above,
kanzen sakura 
Oct 05, 2020 @ 19:27:19
Very sorrowful and encompassed with dark imagery even in spite of the sun’s brightness and glare. Beautifully penned and solemn.
Oct 05, 2020 @ 19:46:02
That sun can be blinding at times when I am driving. Hugs to you!
Oct 05, 2020 @ 19:51:27
Roadkill or hawkfeast…some choice. Frying pan or fire?
Sunlight, Schmunlight. Great write!
Oct 05, 2020 @ 20:57:03
kaykuala
granting it temporary life.
A hawk searches above,
Life is such, to each its own. One is always open to risks and most are not of our own undoing. Perhaps it makes us act naturally to be extra cautious. Wonderful write Toni!
Hank
Oct 05, 2020 @ 21:19:14
Eerie imagery, especially given the “Salem’s Lot” quote. And the loneliness is tangible. Nicely done, Kanzen.
Oct 05, 2020 @ 21:29:50
In a bare 44 words you’ve completely chilled me with this evocation of a lonely drive.
Oct 06, 2020 @ 02:58:04
There was a loneliness in these words Toni, but very well written. Nice to see you visit my site. Was missing seeing your name.
Oct 06, 2020 @ 03:10:02
I like the way you used the quotation from Salem’s Lot to explore your sorrow, Toni, with the sun diluted and nature carrying on around you.I’m so glad to read your words again, you’ve been missed.
Oct 06, 2020 @ 06:07:55
Such a hard journey to continue on alone when you lose someone you love.
Oct 06, 2020 @ 07:11:29
life and death woven tightly in your blanket – a sensitive pensive poem
Oct 06, 2020 @ 07:23:05
Toni, this is so vivid–I could feel that “frisson of loneliness,” and there is an autumn starkness, as well, in the thin sun and hawk.
Oct 06, 2020 @ 10:32:54
That’s a lovely way to see it, granting something else a bit of life, even if it’s only a stay of execution.
Oct 06, 2020 @ 10:55:41
Maybe that hawk is watching over you …
Oct 06, 2020 @ 14:56:55
Giving a life like that is a small comfort… every road must be a memory.
Oct 06, 2020 @ 19:42:45
stark and full of grief (K)
Oct 08, 2020 @ 21:00:27
Love that last line, Toni. It could be a protection.
Oct 09, 2020 @ 02:23:56
Thank you. It was circling as if it hunting though.
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Oct 10, 2020 @ 20:37:05
Maybe it was practicing a dance step.
Oct 11, 2020 @ 00:05:46
Lol. Perchance it was!
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