The New and Unfamiliar Road

Both hands on the wheel,
eager
to conquer this road.

Foot to the floor,
my mind empty,
the car racing,
accepting the curves that come.

Even with
the knot in my stomach,
and my hands gripped tightly,
I stay gentle,
letting the vehicle do the work.

The landscape is new,
but my smile is pointed forward,
keeping my eyes on the road.

Eventually,
the road slows.
Trees and fields look familiar,
as my eyes begin to wander.

The road is straight now.
No skill required,
but the skill was what made it
worth driving.

It's not a bad road.
Minimal bumps,
nice landscape,
but
it's just no longer new.

Forcing a smile,
reminding my eyes
to enjoy the passing view,
but they can't help but see
a new road on the left.

The brakes squeal,
locking the tires.

There was no stop sign,
but
I needed to stop.

My mind racing,
but the car was still.
The safe, familiar road ahead,
the novel, interesting road
to the left.

With one glance forward,
and a tear reminding me of the fun,
I stomped on the gas,
and hooked a left.