Cross-Eyed Curve

© Matthew Word Bain

uphill or downhill
eyes crossed with effort
fists clenched with tension
the traveler, constricted
finds not the flow
that, were it present
would serve to smooth
the corners of curves
and even the pace
uphill or down
making the way
more easily borne,
the scenery sweeter,
the destination closer,
and the memories clear,
untainted by the acrid
aroma of hot brakes
or the whining of
an overtaxed engine
straining against gravity