vintage travel
by stephanie marks

I’m a fully equipped ‘53 model gal.

Not much rust. A few dents, but most have been repaired. I still start up, even in cold weather, but I may need to idle for a few minutes before I roll off. My motor is still chugging away. My fuel is different than it once was but it is what I need to run most efficiently. I still clean up nicely—can still hold my own with newer models. I may not be as fast, but I can cover a lot of miles.

I still have light on the road in front of me, and I know the route well. In truth, even if I couldn’t see my way clearly, I would arrive at my destination, for I travel by heart. It’s been a great adventure, traveling the flatlands with little scenery and few stops. Then there were some mountains, often a long, difficult climb, but there’s nothing like rounding the topmost bend only to be bathed in the glory of first morning light. I’ve been through a few valleys as well —low places wandering beside the swiftly flowing rivers, listening to their whispers drenched by the cold, pouring rain. Ah, but the sun always rises again and burns through the clouds, the haze, the fog.

It’s been a fine trip, and this odometer has a good many miles left on it. Someday my battery will run down for the last time, and my keys will hang on a special peg by the back door. I’ll be remembered fondly when my trip is complete. Now don’t lose those keys. I’ll be back someday to hit the road again. For now, gotta get down the road. There’s another place to see, to be.

© Stephanie Marks

Stephanie Marks is a writer, artist, and Spirit Discovery Guide. She is creating a website offering the gift of love, acceptance and encouragement to all who visit there—allonespirit.org—and working on her first novel. [ steph@allonespirit.org .