Altered States

While on a trip to Capital
one bright and sunny day,
an unexpected change of plans
caused me to turn away.

I navigated highway toll,
then south I did do veer.
As I closed in on Capital,
the air was far from clear.

In fact it made me choke and cough
and tears ran from my eyes.
A cloud of insincerity
wherein the wounded lies.

I stopped the car and cleared my throat
while on the berm I knelt.
I served my country long ago
(in joy I always felt.)

I do recall the oath I took
in service to the flag.
The trumpets sputtered up ahead,
and honor seemed to lag.

Thus north and west in turnaround;
(I meant to eat a peach.)
The honor once abiding there
was far beyond my reach.


24 Lines
Writer’s Cramp
12-6-19