DARK

On the road to Dead Man’s Curve

by Laurel Creek, I found a hemlock

lying down because that’s the way

the wind blew a long time ago.

Its bed was made along the top of a

stone bluff and grew there all these

years because life will out.

It looks like a ship, its bow curved up,

three limbs like masts with shaggy,

green sails spaced along the top of its

supine trunk are set to catch any

wayward wind.

The bluff divides to form a deep canyon

in the hillside, and a wet-weather rill falls

fifteen feet to the base before it disappears

into the ground beneath the little cliff.

Listen carefully and the sound of water

splashes an echo from a place hidden from

the sun for so long, the idea of tomorrow

has no meaning.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Read this piece a couple of times Vol, slowly. It reminds me if a country road near where I live. Now named the thirteen bends of death. I could clearly see the plunge that was taken here by drivers not anticipating the danger ahead. What a contrast between the too late application of brakes and the sound of water, gently splashing. Your descriptive style is ace, as is the imagery of that fallen tree. You sure know to show you readers the way.

Chris

[Vol]

Chris!
Thank you... It is a place I used to own, a "thin place."

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think Socrates took this curve too fast as well.

[Vol]

That Hemlock will get ya... every time! ;-)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Looks like a ship and sinks cars that aren't careful...."Won't come back from Deadman's Curve"---
such complacent yet eerie imagery adorns this one.
What a knack you have for showing us...
Nicely done, will,
j.

[Vol]

Thanks Jacob! I've always felt that if the image is good, the message will take care of itself...

[Lorry]

I always just assumed places called dead man's curve were pure Hollywood and didn't really exist. It must be an interesting place to live, giving out that address. 😊
Your last verse here and especially the last line have me waiting for the splash for my thoughts to end. I'm still waiting.
😊

[Vol]

It was a sharp curve at the top of a long, winding decline to a bridge... over the creek. The name was well-earned, especially when icy.