That drive, when we had it

That drive—when we had it—
Rubber turns—wet pavement 
Cerulean pools caressing tadpoles
Lights, oncoming 
Refracted through rain
With us without speaking
Blurred sight, squint, light

That drive—when we had it—
Wheels turn—sullen grade
Glistening river birch blowing gnats
Lights, oncoming 
Refracted from vain
With us without speaking
Blurred sight, squint, light

That drive—when we had it—
Clocks turn—cloaked grey
Knotted baobabs clashing termites
Lights, oncoming 
Redacted from strain
With us without speaking
Blurred sight, squint, light

That drive—when we had it—
Nothing turns—all black
Crusted peat slicing annelids
Lights, foregone
Memories and pains
With us without speaking
Blurred sight, squint, night

Dorian LaGuardia