The night winds have settled into a misty slumber
providing a peace the sun can never realize.
The stars are brighter than exploding fireworks
as the air becomes velvet right before our eyes.

The world is asleep now, the night is waning...
It’s always this same darkness before the dawn.
Even the crickets have fallen asleep now
and soon the grass shall sigh that we’re gone.

There’s nothing more peaceful
than the moment after the slough
when the map unfolds before you
and whispers “where do we go now?”

The town is restful...almost deathly silent
as though reliving humanity inside empty dream.
Even the vapor-filled whisper from a tired soul
fills these silenced town streets as though a scream.

Footsteps echoing leading to makeshift beds
an hour of sleep teasing weary minds.
Soon, the sun shall be rising and roads calling
and it will be time to leave this town behind.

There’s nothing more peaceful
than the moment after the slough
when the carnival’s packed up
and takes its final, parting bow.

The roads call out as though a familiar lover.
I’ve traveled these shoulders many a year.
These white lines haven’t changed over time
It’s the same asphalt face that calls me here.

The sun is breaking over the fast lane.
My Cobra will only scream in a hiss.
The rearview mirror echoes memories...
wondering if I’m someone to miss.

©March 26, 2008 Lori S. Maynard "the carnival poet"