Truck Stop

July 26, 2026 Poet: ‍Frank Minogue ‍Artwork: Old Talent Truck Stop by Dave Leibowitz

Truck Stop

long haul trucker’s i5 atoll

out of the flattop hurly burly

roll in fuel up the big rigs

chains gnashing, springs aching

brakes gasp and whistle

overhead the sepia sky pressing dark

half empty gravel parking lot

easy to turn around and form a line

mirroring those autumnal trees

two white tanks holding holy oils

for the blessed engine sacrament

late at night the sign glows

beckoning tired drivers

sleepy and soon to be

carried along on quiet

Bear Creek dreams

early next morning a seismic shake

as the motors rumble

heads tilted out of windows

horns sound coffee gulped a first cigarette

side mirror shines radio chatter

sense of urgency and big rig mirth

soon Old Talent Truck Stop is quieted

a dot forever pinned on Google Earth