Wrong Turn Ahead

A Poem based on a dream I had. Also based on a true story, sadly.

Wrong Turn Ahead

By Saskia Liddic

I had a dream that I was driving down the road of life. 
I was using a GPS, but it turned off when I came to a fork in the road. 

I knew this was my choice to make. Down one fork I saw my dreams, all my aspirations. I saw what I hoped to become, and what I hoped I would be waiting for me. Calling for me. My name was literally flashing in lights, beckoning, beckoning. 

And down the other fork, I saw you. You with a smile and your hand in the air, and a cinder in your eyes.

You had your back turned to the world, and your thumb towards the road, asking for a ride. Behind you I saw the shadow of small children, of us, growing old together, a golden anniversary. 
My GPS offered me nothing. 

I stared down each path, faced with a decision. The rest of my life? Or you?

I turned you away, turned away your gentle kisses and your passion. I turned down all that I had promised you, all those late night talks, and all those strolls down the street with the feeling of your fingers weaved in mine like a beautiful zipper of trust. 

I drove toward my dreams. 
The further I drove, the more it melted away. I stared at the GPS, thinking this couldn't be right, waiting for it to say "Make an Illegal U-Turn and go back to him, stupid" but it said nothing. 

Soon I was no long driving past the back stage doors and the cast parties. I was alone, and had no way to get back. 

So I kept driving, hoping I'd see you on the side of the road on this path to nowhere, my journey through life, but I didn't see you. I was alone, I was cold, and I was sad. 
When I opened my eyes to dawn relief came to me like salvation, then I realized. 
It wasn't a dream at all.