Even in the dark
Cold flatness
Of an Arizona highway
You knew which
Doors to enter
And which to slam shut.
You knew which town
To crayon onto a cardboard sign…
Too far and no one would stop
Too close and
They would think
We were commuters.
Keep your backpack out front
So they know you are
A long distance hitchhiker.
Where a college t-shirt.
Don’t kiss me
On the highway.

Published in Oasis Magazine.