Tonight I left for home and I was nervous. I saw that the road was covered and I nearly slipped on the sidewalk as I escaped the awning. Hoping to blame it on my cheap-soled boots, I hit the defrost and backed out. As I set out, it wasn't all that bad. When I turned onto my road, about 8 miles down would be my destination. It got worse, the layer of grey over the road turned white and I grasped the steering wheel a bit tighter. It was all ice underneath. Slow and steady wins the race, slow and steady wins the race. I traveled at about 25. The first part was the easiest being that its the most straight. I was worried about the valley. As I approached the fields I expected the drift. It's always been there perfectly placed where the deer cross. I don't know if you were texting that night. Maybe you swerved to avoid an animal. All I know is we lost you that foggy Wednesday. As I drove home, I passed your cross on the side of the road. I promised myself I wouldn't take my eyes off the road to look like I usually do. It was too bad out. But I saw your solar light from the corner of my eye. I've never been one to believe in this kind of stuff but I shed a tear when I looked up ahead and just a few feet away, the road got clear. It's like the trees blocked the path of the snow and it never made it further north. The whole rest of my ride, it was clear. Thank you, Zach. It was a rough day. I needed that.

happiness and hoppiness are two different words
both seem to stem from a glass bottle
I had to come home, I was unsure
The browns have mixed with the greys
and I feel a sense of betrayal I'm not entitled to.

Every year, it's farther away
the hum of the heater, you've only got a month
paying fines for crimes you don't feel guilty for committing
take. it. all.

life by minimums and a failed attempt at waking early
all those nice things won't save you