Steel Thrust
©copyright 2009 Bonita M Quesinberry
It was many years ago, as I sat at a stoplight
when suddenly I noticed cars scurrying here and there,
much like watching ants rushing headlong as into a fight
as they collided, shifted and turned, then quickly moved on;
each oblivious of those they tapped to demand the right,
"I will go first and move ahead or turn as I may choose!"
Alas, a speeding car is deadlier than an ant's might.
As though I viewed, from on high, chaotic stinging anthills,
I laughed while awaiting a green signal for me to go;
obstacles blindly avoided by silent, iron wills
the ants' only thoughts being how quickly a job gets done:
but, we often see high signs threatening road rage that kills,
the venoms of man's uncontrolled roaring cars, honking horns—
the price for moving power far more than initial bills.
I envisioned freeways often becoming parking lots:
horns in irate discord piercing ears with fowl words unheard
useless noise to move a wreck up ahead, nineteen lanes blocked,
four more feeding in. Today's worse; for patience is selfish,
consideration is just letters of a word forgot,
and generosity lacks definition of kindness.
Other drivers are no more than a windshield's dirty spots.
Like a famous author of old once wrote, "Out damn spot, out!"
So, all those professed Christian drivers forget their morals,
as determined as others to be the one with speed's clout,
to beat the next red light and stay ahead of the huge pack;
surely beating them all to planned destinations, no doubt.
The irony of all that steel thrust is someone gets killed,
and the leader got there last, despite a thunderous tout.
Author notes
Indeed, it was many years ago that I sat at the signal light on my way to take my son to kindergarten 
He is 42 now. But, I did write a short poem back then of what I had felt as I watched those cars racing in every direction. I still have it somewhere in my hardcopy files; so, I thought a new one might come out better than the one written 37 years ago.
In a list
A contest entry
- Congestion (Pic Prompt) by Frogzter.
875 points, ended August 31, 14 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Have you ever noticed, the one who speeds & jumps the lights & cuts you off, still did not get there first? They never do! They just cause fatal wrecks.
Comments
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Hurry up and wait is the order for the day. It always irks me that people speed around you and then get caught at the light anyway. So much road rage these days, I prefer to stay off the road unless it's a neccessity. Thanks for your entry and best wishes,
Frogz~
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Wow~
So true and when a person tries to *rush*...
they end up taking longer to get there...
Serves them right for causing chaos
Powerful piece also Adore the Metaphor
You have brought to Light~
Brilliant~ I was Intrigued like usual
but could not also help to chuckle
at a few parts
Love You
Those road ragers need to read this
Thank You for sharing Your Humor
Best wishes in the contest
with love & light~ Desire~*~
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I always think when traveling that we as a whole need to lighten up...we take so much for granted, the ants are a perfect reflection you used here so wisely. I always come away awakened when reading your poetry
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I so agree they never get there first and cause so many wrecks on the roads and highways. I so enjoyed reading your amazing write. What a great picture you poem goes so well with it. Thanks for sharing. Good luck in the contest, hugs Theresa
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I love your use of imagery it is rather amazing. The flow and painting of the picture of a man empowered by himself in the car, is quite exquisite.
Good luck in the contest
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Humm..I take this take in a symbolic way and get many thought provoking issues..the scenario you created is very eager and to some extent very curious from the start ..and yes that is the strength of your work..and this work is strongly written as well..as usual..you are very thoughtful my friend..well done..
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Thank YOU, my darling friend! That picture of the freeway reminds me of those in California. Nightmare! Fortunately, I live in a small town of 6500 in Washington State. Yikes, I'd hate to be caught up in that mess.
Luv ya, SisBon
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Brilliant annology to the prompt. Congestion on the freeway does look like a colony of ants...as long as it is ants! Descriptive and just plain good...mom. Excellent. Blessings.
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Interesting perspective, Bonnie - and that is some picture you have of all those vehicles on the super highway, and now we are getting to the place where states and the federal government no longer have the funds needed to maintain all the highways we have, while we spend billions for even more highways that will need maintaining. Indiana recently sold their stretch of the toll road to a foreign consortium and the Governor brags about a balanced budget (today) - but now most of the billions are spent, and what do we sell next? Our other roads and bridges? Perhaps they will have to start imposing a toll on all roads - and with gas prices going back up, who will be able to afford to travel?
Moses -
This is the perfect feeling of that freeway mess. Although I've never seen one as large as the pic.
My husband is one who 'loses his religion' when he drives. LOL I got over that a long time ago.
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A very good write. I can relate and I enjoyed the humor of the piece. Nice use of simile. It brought to mind 'kicking over an ant hill' yet in this case, there is no place to go... or hide. Good imagery, flow and tone. Good depth of feeling. You paint a vivid picture of road rage and how it takes away one's humanity. There is a message for all of us to think about in this piece. Well penned.
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