It’s a regular occurrence
Terms end
Load the car
Head north.
Into the night we drive
Hoping kids will sleep
Counting landmarks
Relief as I see emerging
The lights of the city
But still hours to go.
A child cries, time to stop
Toilet for all, a drink, a rest
Point the car, drive.
Into darkness following a dotted line
Leading to family, rest, recreation.
A man on the radio discusses religion
Inviting other late night crazies
A welcome distraction
Each caller an important opinion
Stressing their point to the few caring to listen.
Later the traffic thins
I am the only one awake
Everyone sleeps, curled up
In dreams of Christmas and birthdays.
The miles go by, stay awake I urge
There is a lot at stake, not far now.
Mileposts flash by, trees stand sentinel
Like a guard of honour watching
Guiding me home.
I will worry should they move.
Past midnight, the home stretch
Familiar tracks, lights on roadhouses
Sheltering the weary, the insomniacs,
As I journey on, my goal in sight
‘Are we there yet?’ A pleading eight year old.
‘Nearly sweetie, not far now.’
My music floods me, a favourite song
My mind comes alive, I sing along
Casting memory to other times
Times when I felt free, alive
Now my life is prescribed,
Fatherhood dictates behaviours
Children demand attention, needs and wants
Far beyond my own, my life not my own
But dedicated to them, their safety
Their lives taking shape, their dreams.
My time will come I know, some day
At the far end of another road
My deserving end will arrive.
I will take that road, willingly,
My time served, then to enjoy the spoils
Of a promised life, my own.
A light shines in my eyes, reality sinks in
A few more bends and then a turn right.
Kids stirring, Nanna’s is in sight,
I turn the corner, see my mum,
Standing on the veranda, waiting.
I sigh, relief, home again.
Written for: http://dversepoets.com/2014/04/22/rhythm-of-the-road/
Morpethroad 
We just did this journey, with an 8 year old too, and oh yes to see their faces when you get ‘home’ again is worth the miles isn’t it? Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Shanyns and yes journeys end is always welcomed.
Ah, reminds me of road trips with my family every summer going up north to stay in a cabin in the woods. Wonderful memories Michael.
Thank you Jackie, seems like road trips everyone has gone on at one point or another.
Lovely journey, reminding me of trips and “Are we there yet?” but the most touching are the last 4 lines. Very nice, MIchael.
Thank you Oliana, I liked those lines as well. Sometimes I like to remember my mum.
I know you do, MIchael. Bless you for that lovely poem.
Thank you.
Remembering those family trips always longer than returning home. Thought I was actually riding along.
Ha I had a full wagon in those days. Thanks for connecting Kim, I appreciate your reading and comment.
Awww…Love this!
Thank you so much RoSy, you are very kind as always…
Your poem definitely brings memories of road trips with my parents when I was a child. I like your verse: Into darkness following a dotted line … smiles…
Thank you so much Adriana, I appreciate your comment.
The nightly rides with children… catering for their need at the same time an independence of the wheels and the radio.. lots of good thing to say about your poem… 🙂
Thanks so much Bjorn. I enjoyed writing one as those trips took place several times a year.
Lovely journey! We’ve all travelled that road, and a few of us have reached the time of our own 🙂
Thank you Tiny appreciate your comment.
As much as I enjoy a road trip, a warm welcome at the end is always a wonderful thing!
Yes Bryan I agree thanks for reading.
The sometimes tedium of the road is so worth reaching the destination. And the challenge of traveling with kids. Yikes.
Oh yes so well remembered Victoria. Thankfully a distant memory these days.
are we there yet? ha i heard that a few times…and i have listened to some of those late night crazy radio shows as well, travelling through the night to avoid traffic
Yes says a lot for us parents Brian, zonked out the next day I remember that.