A Bridge Too Near

write now! WARNING: 

Not an easy transition from Avalon and butterflies 

The Bridge from Here to Hereafter

Toll Bridge

It is the only bridge

from where you have been

to where you must go.

It spans the wide, silver river

Destination too far, too misty to view.

You drive that brand new 55 Chevy

Sand-tan with cardinal red accents

Check the dash

Gas meter reads

“half full/empty”

Enough to get there?

Go for it!

Wait!!

Toll booth flashing

Stop

Pay for passage.

The stern faced collector

Dressed in an ever changing color robe

Dark framed pilot’s glasses

Propeller beanie hat

Stares with laser intensity.

“How much?” 

I haltingly inquire.

“How old are you?”

He whispers like autumn wind.

“Then or now?”

My attempt to solve a riddle.

He, without hesitation:

“Both.”

“I have lived long.

I am often young.

I am the oldest boy.

I am the youngest old man.”

I confessed.

“What have you learned,

old boy, young man?!”

The critical challenge made clear.

“Be an attentive witness of Nature’s gifts.

Have the courage to share the gifts

with which we have been blessed.

Hope is the vital gift

that sustains the human spirit.

I ask forgiveness for my hurtful acts,

both of commission and omission.”

This was my soul filtered response.

The weight of the exchange

brought chin to chest

Eyelids sealed vision

Feelings set adrift

Yesterday-this moment

Tomorrow-everafter blended.

“You may cross dear friend.

All that you love awaits.”

He sang to distant, joyful music.

jlB- Copyright: John Lawrence Barbetta

write now: 28 August 2018

Pepin, Wisconsin

First draft was written in the Mark Twain room

In Pride of the Nation

overlooking the Mississippi River and the Wabasha Bridge.

“Toll Bridge” is a candidate for the “Vital Illusions collection in progress.

A bridge too far? A bridge over troubled waters?

me