Destinations

'Destinations' by Barbara Tonge

The route I need
To reach my destination
My sister losing touch with life
Departing from the North at dawn
Alone
No-one to say ‘well done’
or ‘take a break’

Three hours later
Leaving the M6
to cross the M1
The sign to Cambridge A14
Relief to find I’ve got it right

The A14 a law unto itself
Rules to be obeyed
Long, large lorries
bound for Felixstowe
Signs confuse, which lane to use?
Destinations intrigue and distract
Grantchester oh Grantchester
(and is there honey still for tea?)
St Ives – I’m dreaming
I’m not in Cornwall now
Will I meet seven wives? concentrate
Arrive not a moment too soon
Too soon for what? To recall lost memories?
Not a moment too soon
For tea and toast
and watching the sky change

Returning
That’s another matter
Emotions high
The will to drive is low
The A14, roadworks at every roundabout
Take the middle lane – it’s blocked
The inside lane goes round too far
Right round again? Too late
I’m heading North
I know not where
Will I get home tonight?

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