gravel and dust

There’s a road where the pavement ends,
where blacktop turns to gravel and dust.
I go there sometimes
to be alone and think about us.

Just off the road, I sit beside the water.
At night, I can even see the stars.
It’s there, I wonder,
what lies deep in my heart.

I forgive you for each time you hurt me
and ask forgiveness
for the times I let you down.
Then I get back on the road, where I feel at peace.
I see things more clearly
and, for a while, hold fast
to the things I hold so dearly.

Then one day I get in the car and drive
until I find that same stretch
where the pavement ends,
where the blacktop turns to gravel and dust,
just to be alone
and think about us.