Joy Ride

We take the curves
leaning
as wheels hug the turn,
reverse,
then swing the other way
along the winding mountain road.
We laugh
full throttle,
feel the surge
as gears shift
hold us tighter still
to the arc
of the earth’s orbit.
We have no destination,
no desire,
except to follow the road
around the bend,
feel the wind rush,
as we turn,
top down,
at our maximum
controlled speed—
It’s only 45
but feels twice as fast,
as we burst free
from centrifugal force
of cares and sorrows
back at home.
Later, we slow for stop signs,
look both ways,
proceed discreet, subdued,
yet listening
with a grin
to the engine purr.