Pathways
The streetlight's glow falls in a cone
on the narrow dirt road,
the only light, showing the direction
and the width. The rest is left
to local knowledge: where the turn will come,
how steep the bank, the rock
to be avoided at all costs.
The traveler must listen for the ocean
lapping not far to the side
beyond the illuminated ring,
must know the end
is not too far ahead, hidden
in trees and darkness.
Pay attention.
All the signs are there.
Lari Smith