I drive alone the curving, dipping, climbing miles 
Of this Bluegrass back road
In the first full hour of the night's full darkness. 

From time to time, above these painted lines,
A full bright moon passes into view
In the low eastern sky, 
Shuffling its hues into the gaps,
Surfing the shadows in a sea of rippling clouds.

In the cooling shroud of an August night, 
This feels about right: 
Light and shadow intermingled in their own passing,
Tones of color and degrees of darkness, 

The heart-soothing quietness of a solitary journey, 
The peaceful serenity of silhouetted hardwoods 
Lining the ridges and forming a lane 
Framing this swath of dark pavement,

Offering a smooth journey, 
A simple passing, 
Quiet reflections of memoried days and nights. 

Rounding an uphill curve 
That swings farther east, 
There is a release of bright light,
The gentle moon reflecting a Greater Light 
To guide pilgrims and passersby, 
Sailors and beggars, 
Saints and sinners,
All those whose travel sometimes 
Extends beyond the shades of day. 

A soothing offering along the way
To quiet the soul and refresh the spirit, 
And move us on toward our next Dawn.

H. Arnett
8/19/24