Two Lane Highway

H,  This reminds me of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken". I can relate to the feelings.

Dear S,

I haven’t read that poem in years! Thank you for the reminder. It makes me a bit sad if you can relate as then you know deep sadness and I’m sorry for that. Thank you not only for your read and thoughtful comment also for the honor of RL. I am very grateful. H🌷

A good drive clears the head, Honoria; however, we oft find ourself back where we started. Hopefully, though, we can see things a bit differently through a clearer perspective. And in that seeing, find a different way of Being.

Middle ground has always been important to me, i.e. - hearing both sides of the story, or understanding both sides of the issue.

I hope things improve for you.

Dear A,

So true, a clearer head is what I always hope will prevail after these midnight jaunts. The irony of ending up back exactly where we started is frustrating but finding that tiny nugget of hope is what drives the next course action for me. Thank you for the well wishes. I’m sure to muddle through and it’s always a tonic to see I’m not alone in trying to find middle ground in seeing both point of view. Thank you! H🌷

We all travel those roads searching for that middle, that lane that holds serendipity. We all mentally wonder and wander searching the unknown for some sort of positive certainty. It’s seldom a satisfying trip. In the end, imagination keeps us sane. It takes us away to a different and exciting place while keeping us tethered to reality. Great write H.

Dear A,

No truer words “imagination keeps us sane” I appreciate seeing that in print since I keep a permanent residence in that land of imagination. While it will often clear my head it is very seldom satisfying. It’s more often a risk defying stunt. Thank you for your read and kind comments. I really appreciate them. H🌷

Isn’t writing poetry a “ risk defying stunt “. Every key stroke is a risk, risk of acceptance. That risk is justified in imagination/inspiration, where creativity has no bounds.  A.   😂🌹🌹🙏

Jeez A! You’re on fire tonight with these spot on insights into my head. You are an emotional wizard! You are absolutely correct when you suggest writing poetry is risk defying. There is a certain level of acceptance and responsibility that is so rewarding when you read a response that has touched someone. Especially for me. Aside from school papers and an occasional thank you note  I’ve never written anything. Let alone poetry. Amidst such wonderful writers, I am humbled and appreciative of the encouragement I’m receiving. Thank you kind sir! C H

Fantastically written. ❤
Sadly relatable.

Dear N,

Thank you for this high praise. I’m also humbled by the honor of RL. I’m very grateful to you. Thank you!
H🌷

So well expressed, this feeling of isolation. I have driven all night, too -- seeking someone or something, but feeling so much alone.

Dear J,

Thank you for your read and very kind comments. Yes, driving and driving hoping that someone or something will appear in the passenger seat. Typically ends up being me telling me to go home- *sighing in resignation*. Thank you again. H🌷  

I feel like I could have written this poem, despite the fact that I haven't owned a car since 1973 ....

It's not the roads, its the message

One of your best entries H

You opened and kept opening like a lovely summer Rose

Like

Dear P,

Thank you! I’m extremely flattered by these kind comments and the honor of your RL. This made my evening. I am, however, going to need you to take a road test again to check your acuity. 1973! Jesus P! Nixon was in office in ‘73 😳
Thank you again for this lovely comment! H🌷

Your south side is where I think I see you most. But I could be wrong. I too try to find the middle, but more and more I think I need to pick a damn lane.
The feelings of isolation in this piece are palpable. As long as you always know how to get back “home” exploration is probably never a bad thing.
Xoxo
~E

Dear E,

LOL “need to pick a damn lane”. That too, can helpful but it’s so difficult...I totally get it. 😁
Yes, you’re quite right the southside is where you’ll generally find me when expressing what I know to be true about myself. I’m still searching for “home”. I will be hosting an open house when I find it so look for that invite! Xxoo H🌷

You don't wanna hit the middle cos that's the crash barrier that divides the North & South carriageway.  
I'd love to go on one on these drives with you. I could talk shit all night, have a few beers (maybe) & make sure you stay awake unless you want me to drive? Eek! I may PM you with a driving poem I have. ;-)

Dear B,

Stay away from the crash barrier. Good point. Crashing doesn’t sound fun at all. While I wouldn't at all mind the company or talking shit, we’d best leave the beer in the fridge. Open container laws over here are pretty tight! 😉.
I truly appreciate your read and  insightful comments. Brought out a smile. A driving poem you say? Hmmm
H🌷

This does harken to Frost ... love the single lines so spaced ... it adds to the flow and cadence ... wonderful ...

Dear L,

Thank you for the notice of the format. I’m trying to learn more about that as I go along. It’s a difficult balance. I really appreciate your nod to that. Thank you very much for the honor of RL. I’m very very flattered. I’m definitely going to have to re-read Frost’s Road. I only have a vague recollection of reading it in 7th grade English class. Thank you again! H🌷

I relate wholeheartedly here... I constantly find myself searching for that middle ground too. This poem perfectly described 2 conflicting sides of yourself... Just trying to find some balance. Fantastic writing, beautiful, but just a tiny bit melancholy... Keep up the great work, H! ❤️😊

Dear NB,

Thank you for these lovely compliments. I’m super touched. I will count on you to tell me when and where you find that middle! I’m kind of getting tired. 😴
Thank you for the honor of your RL. I’m so grateful. Xo H🌷

Dear H, this was a truly insightful and reflective piece. Too many times I've wondered the same, looking at the road ahead and behind and thought about if I was heading in the right direction.
Thank you for sharing.

Dear W,

Right? Sometimes I wonder how I went from one spot to another so lost in thought was I. Overall I suppose there is something to be gained in any direction. Thank you so much for the honor of RL and sharing your own experience. It is a comfort. H🌷

Amazing writing as always. I always get lost with my thoughts on long drives alone. You made me think of one of my many drives down a secluded mountain road. :)

Dear K,

Driving is the best and worst place to think. We should only be thinking of operating a car and the safety of ourselves and others. It’s like the last thing I focus on. Now I’m all for these thinking drives just be careful driving down “secluded mountains” please. 😉 Thank you very much for your sweet compliments and the lovely honor of RL. I’m very humbled. Thank you.
H🌷

Conjures up some good images. Great.

Dear L,

Thank you so much. I am so appreciative of your read and kind comments. Always a pleasure to see you. H🌷

Dear BP,

Hehe, I don’t know why? The median is the best part of the road to drive. You can go both ways if you want😉.
Thank you for your read and fun comment.  H🌷

... this exquisite write is an emotional poetic masterstroke. The despair and sadness of this metaphoric journey that you so eloquently put into prose is piercing, Your stirring written words resonate with impactful brilliance. We are all in a quest to find that middle, that moment of refuge between different worlds of chaos. Bravo!!!

Dear FF,

Thank you very much for the honor of RL.
I’m so very touched by your thoughtful and kind comments. It is a lonely road finding that middle, however your lovely response makes it less so. Thank you. H🌷

Bravissima, Honoria🌹🌹 I identify very much with your beautifully composed, poignant words. In a goodly portion of my dreams I am traveling a seemingly endless, repetitive route sometimes familiar roads and usually driving. Sometimes I'm wandering the Halls of some sort of labyrinthian structure. Seems I'm searching for something, for what I would love to know.
This passage touched me most,
"Always sunny on the north side, never allowing pain and grief in this cavernous hole of loneliness."
To me it describes the way I often feel, everything Rosey on the outside but inside profound loneliness.😘

Dear GW,

Thank you very much for the honor of RL.  
The public mask. No one would know the depth of loneliness and sadness we spare them. How interesting your dreams have in a maze of hallways or a route you’ve travelled before. I wish I could interpret dreams. It would be interesting to understand the association of those two settings. I am so appreciative of your share. Thank you. H🌷

I too enjoy a drive to clear my head or to think.  However, I find it much more applicable on the isolated two lane road.  In the high densely populated areas, you can have five lanes on each side (4 regular and 1 express), making the middle more confusing; and too much activity going on to think. Funny with five lanes, much of the time you travel slower than that isolated one lane per direction highway.  
 
After reading the poem a few times, it made me think you are trying to come to a solution or life direction in your dreams while you slept; hence when you awoken what was troubling / concerning you hasn’t been solved (“Never going nor, arriving anywhere”) – through the night your mind works through optimistic scenarios (north lane) and risk assessments (south lane) but never getting to an optimal conclusion (middle lane) – Well that’s one interpretation.  
 
The more I read it, my interpretations wonder.  Overthinking has me lost and not able to find the middle road! : )

Dear D,

Thank you very much for your read and thoughtful comments. I’ll say, exactly. You’ve pretty much nailed it.
Coming or going trying to find balance or that proverbial middle of the road, for me, has been elusive. And yes, trying to change direction and the course of my life the past couple of years has been also rather like a curvy country road.
I liked your reminder about the five lane highways with the HOV lane. And you’re so right, those super highways create more chaos making it impossible to think anything through other than survival. Thank you again for your thoughtful comments. H🌷

What a great poem! Lots to think about. I'll be following you on that road, Honoria,
not sure in which direction,
probably both,
wondering whether the elusive 'middle' is that delicate point  where the scales hold their balance?

Dear VB,

Thank you. It will be nice to have the company! I think that rascally middle is moving all over the place but I’m determined we’ll catch it. Thank you so much for the RL add. I’m extremely flattered! Thank you again for the lovely comments. H🌷

Well done


Bat

Dear BP,

Thank you so much for your read and  lovely comment. I really appreciate it.
H🌷