Red Cloud Road

A poem written when leaving Arizona to travel through Nevada and back to California

Kickin' up the dirt 
At the end of Red Cloud Road 
Day by day, scorching desert play 
This life, nothing is ever owed 

My father was the caretaker 
Tending the old mineral mine 
Shut down again, that was when 
My family moved here for a time 

My mother helped my dad 
Our life never settled in 
All around, from town to town 
Gypsies chancing for a win 

'Go outside and find some fun!' 
Mother would always scream 
'Other boys would forget their toys, 
In this here playground like a dream.' 

And so it was each day 
Taking my lone self out to play 
Desperate heat, no easy feat 
Kickin' up red dirt all the way 

The canyons would invite me 
Offer shade and cool to sit 
Climbing high, to touch the sky 
Owning freedom for a bit 
------------------------------------------- 

Adorning their best outfits 
Friday shining in their eyes 
Fantasy Springs, a casino that brings 
Hope within it's gambling lies 

They glance over their shoulders 
I'm told not to leave the house 
Locked and stowed, at Red Cloud Road 
Scared and quiet as a mouse 

They return home fueled with drink 
No money left for dreams 
In my bed, filled with dread 
I listen to their screams 

Escaping very early 
My playground said to offer 'fun' 
Kickin' dirt, not understanding hurt 
Tears dry quick in desert sun 
------------------------------------------ 

Silent gaze upon the distant road 
Perched high on this desert rock 
Trucks and cars, traveling far 
My journey begs to leave this flock..... 

The end of Red Cloud Road 
Kickin' up dirt is where i'd be 
Not for long, soon I'd be strong 

To wander far and to be free.

Reviews

[Wrenlane]

Delightful KWP...There is no doubt, but of course you know this, you are a very talented writer. Love the story within the poem; descriptive, meaningful rhymes, a bit sad, yet ending with hope! Unfortunately, true life for some folks yet my heart breaks for the children who have to endure being born into a life of misery because of incompetent parents who apparently don't have the capacity to love even their own off spring. Nonetheless it is a sad reality in this world. In any event, good write my friend!

[Sindu]

I read this a long time ago and I thought I reviewed it. But I didn't. That's weird.
This seemed like a movie.. the elusive emotions, pull of freedom and the hard times of the family falling upon everyone in different formats. This does seem very realistic in a manner.. wide eyed youngsters cannot wait to get out, stop "kicking up dirt" and "to wander far and to be free". inspiring with a sorrow and firing dreams

[Einstein Noodle]

red clay and dirt of deserts kicks up a swirl of stories .. the power of broken dreams related to gambling and alcohol abuse is in stark contrast to the innocence of a little boy finding the release in child's play .. i agree with Rossen .. definitely a song in this .. tho this song is bent a bit different your title reminded me of it instantly .. hope you can check it :)
http://youtu.be/B3cpvK7dO_U
E.

[Jack Wolfe]

This reads as if it should have been a narrative, it offers imagery, but lacks in the constant flow of poetry. I could see this turned into an unrelenting story of Red Cloud Road . . . great metaphor by the way. It’s a bit like climbing into a child’s mind of wonder . . . sitting out on the crest, reflecting, but not truly understanding the world around them. From what I’ve read, and little I’ve spoken to you, you have a great introspective outlook of the positive, light and dark, and I enjoy the insight, but the presentation seems flawed.

[KWP]

aww well I was just experimenting with this - annnd - it was great fun to write - thanks JW ;)

[Frieda P]

Love this peek into your life, sounds as though it could be a country western song...can you sing as well as write poignant poetry Betty? ;-) x Nice work....!

[Black Star Adept]

Really enjoyed this poem! So well structured, could not help it but just picture it while reading

[KWP]

cheers for reading my friend .. am glad you liked x x

[MsJewel]

I find it difficult to tell a story within a poem - you have done a fantastic job! It is a delight to read your poetry!

:) Julie

[KWP]

I very much enjoy the story within' the poem ... need a lot more time and perseverance though :) thanks Julie x x

[Ayushi]

Fine descriptive poem..
Very well written :)

[KWP]

thank you sunshine .. I appreciate you reading :)

[A. Amos]

entertaining piece of art...as always enjoyable read...