I enjoy the solitude of cross country driving
My first solo trip was from Arizona to Pennsylvania
I marveled at the variety of scenery
From the red volcanic stone of northern New Mexico
Into the nondescript panhandle of Texas
Then bursting into a scene of flowering trees
Alongside the interstate as I encountered
A whole new blooming country I'd never seen before
My senses were in constant amazement

I was alone with my thoughts when I wanted to think
Listened to my collection of cassettes when radio reception
Was nil or when only country music filled the air waves
Along with farmers' reports
I enjoyed the process of driving
The only times I 'got lost' when I was driving through
The cities not fully confident in following the signs

My next long solo trip was also from Arizona
But this time to Florida and the southern route
Took me through the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico
And the wide open skies of Texas but
I did not marvel until I crossed the border
Into Louisiana which led me to traverse the Ponchatrain bridge

Nothing but water on both sides of the wooden, logged passage
Passing vehicles of all sizes, being passed by vehicles
Of all sizes until the landscape changed to the skyline of
New Orleans - gray and gloomy in the day - did not compel
Me to want to explore
I was just anxious to get to my last night in a motel in
Tallahassee

That was the last cross country trip I made on four wheels