“It was a “road closed for culvert replacement” kind of week. Only you forgot about it, until it was way past inconvenient. The Lincoln Gap closes for the winter in October, but that’s a different issue altogether. The Natural Turnpike? Still open until they chain shut the heavy metal national forest gate. Heavy metal, you said? I did. Just for fun, I looked up “heavy metal music” to see what Google would say. “Explores dark, dramatic, or rebellious subjects, including mythology, inner turmoil, societal issues, and fantasy”. Had an algorithm somehow have replaced my reality? Because, things have gone farther sideways than mere road closures recently, and although it was somewhat novel to be driving 10 miles thru a nearly trackless wilderness to get around road closures, to get to work, I also became aware of one of everyone’s favorite letters (“F”) coming on in illuminated orange. In the early morning light, the dry November leaves, divided left and right, as I whooshed by, the truck on a mission not to die. Should I accelerate to go further faster or try to float, like a falcon, on the long, slow downhills? The closest gas station, not close at all. The only open gap, a mountain road not known for delis, coffeeshops, convenience stores or cell service. Mostly famous for home-made chairs on a curve, after the turn off, to a scenic waterfall, and the confusing backside of a ski area. The crudely painted “Farm Stand 1 mile” sign we questioned, because the arrow pointed up into the national forest. So much national forest, so little time. Oh, did I say I was trying to get to a job? Yes, and this is the season of road graders on the loose. But I digress - that came later. When I did coast into the gas station finally, in the larger of the smallest towns on my route, I was so relieved, I wasn’t even irritated when I opened the mini-fridge behind the coffee station. Okay, so my favorite “lucky sandwich” was not there, but a very full peanut butter and jelly one, was. And it’s not SO bad, to drip grape jelly onto Carhartt insulated overalls, while driving late to work. There are way worse things. Like getting to the job miraculously on time, only to hear the “ping” of your phone, and read the text “On my way”. I had a dream last night, of being light as a feather, which made the night, and my restless fears, feel less ominous. In fact, gone. Armed with only a few, carefully chosen magic words, there were suddenly no obstacles, to flight. I knew then I would never have to depend on gasoline, love bombs, promises, good looks, propane, hard knocks, or anything bent around a crooked smile, to propel myself upward, ever again.”
Lucky Sandwich
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