Warning signs, dashboard indicators, red flags, 
continual reminders of what is ahead, or
what follows at breakneck speed. Too fast; 
too busy, too confused, we yield not to the signals, 
but push ahead, our direction, our intention, 
our destination more important 
than anyone else. Even suspended in traffic, 
all four lanes, our refusal to allow others in 
is more than stubbornness. Sharing neither 
caution or common courtesy, we will not alter 
or acknowledge our route. 
To do so is to admit less power, or that we may
have lost our way. Distance and time 
the only measure of where we are going, or 
how we will get there. We navigate the commute 
between the reality we live with, and that 
which is expected, our individual emissions 
contributing to the noxious fumes we ingest. Daily. 
Driving forward, but not ahead, running on empty, 
through a cracked windshield we see, or believe, 
nothing will harm us. Road rage, we curse 
under our breath. or shout foul-mouthed insults 
at those behaving as we are, refusing right-of-way. 
To anybody. Self-motivated or selfish, 
it makes little difference at any speed. We fail 
to notice a world that passes us by. Look, 
perhaps a shoulder check. It may take a glance 
in the review mirror to remind us life is precious. 
Slow down. Pay attention. Let others in.

© 2016 j.g. lewis