Today,

before I left to do some chores in town,

a fey sprite whispered in my ear.

She said, “Kenneth, stay on the back roads!”

You see, they’ve opened the new overpass last night

so now Route 387 goes over

211 on its way to 17, on to Interstate 40, or, (God help us!) Myrtle Beach!

So, now, there’s a new traffic pattern between Southport and Supply

going towards Middleton where

“Worms and Coffee” was before you make that right turn to Bolivia,

(You know, that wide spot in the road on the way to Wilmington?)

“So take the back roads, Kenneth!

It’s noon, soon, you see!

And the hungry carpenter in his battered truck,

banging around in this fast food paradise

will fuck you up at the next gap in the traffic flow,

ALTERNATE WEAVE, BE DAMNED!”

(When sprites get serious, their language deteriorates!)

So, I did.

And it was a gentle journey through whatever woods and dirt roads remain

on the way back to my front door.

I may never use a paved road again!

For Mother reveals Her hidden wonders –

slowly-

She is an enchantress.

And I am become,

in my senescence, mesmerized

on my off-road-voyage to the stars.