you remember the place
where the road tilts west
and the tips of mountains
elbow each other
and shove for position
dark and dusky beauties
in muted shades of purple soot
and blue skirt swirls
folded
pinned
pleated
lined up in a queue
of their own mysterious pageant vying for validation
strong
and steadfast
chunky mountains
flexing shoulders
elegant with strength
like body builders
oiled and primed
narrow peaks
scarce and scant
noses high and broken at the top
this range stiff
fold upon fold
tucked and starched
with the valleys pressed thin
and this ridge rounded
filled with clouds
smoke signal clouds
hover
watch
and float away
this road the only caller
now face to face
honest and true
now dos-à-dos
sweet as a shrug
swaying right
swaying left
contra dance couple
in a jig with the hills
i learned when i was four
to loathe
the common road
trudging
great lakes to chicago
purest snow abandoned
edging the path with debris
cars slogging west
deranged dolphins
with no sense of self
i learned to love the back roads
and the twisting shimmy
of the mountain path
i see the sign that signals my descent
something in me
reckless and wild
shudders and smiles
road worsens next seven miles
-Janey Pease
Artist Statement:
Driving to teach, to intern, driving to go to Appalachian State attending classes, I see this often! The Blue Ridge Mountains have views of these mountains from every angle possible. . .even a sign stating “road worsens next seven miles” near Spruce Pine. The thought always crosses my mind, “It get WORSE?” But as I say, never an ugly drive in North Carolina.
