Leaving New Mexico

We stop in Alpine, Arizona
to switch drivers,
get a bite to eat,
and so I can pee.

In Flagstaff,
we see S
and a very pregnant O.
E has a lot to say about
bugs, dinosaurs.
He counts up, skipping
digits and plays a few
chords for us on the piano.
We eat pizza, cupcakes,
eggs and strawberries.
S makes me coffee
but won’t touch the stuff —
his stomach’s acting up.

The farmer introduces us to his goats.
Two have the same mother
and two have the same father.
He tells us their names, they all begin with A.
I forget them immediately.
Their names, not the goats.
I’ll never forget those.

Full Moon Valley
is a Rest Area not on the map.
M uses the can while I work on
oatmeal, coffee, and tea.
It’s picturesque, the moon above the sign
makes the whole world true.
The only thing, M says, is the truck, a semi
humming and obstructing the eastern range.
I don’t mind it,
We are not alone.

The sign on a building
in Battle Mountain reads
FIREWORKS PLANET.
They’re blasting the nearby hillside,
to mine for gold —
God Bless America.

The President is in the hospital.
We rally around words.
It was only a matter of time;
He was reckless;
We’ll all get it eventually;
He’ll come out stronger;
The next 48 hours are crucial.
And Justice for All.