MY CHARACTER driving back across Pennsylvania (again!), and even though i know its coming i begin to tear up at the first exit for Williamsport, my fathers birthplace. the further i age into him, the more i realize this is where my character was born as well. the love of wild green places, meandering rivers, the genuine nature of small town connections. i start to cry at the sign for the second exit, tightening my grip on myself and the wheel of the rental truck carrying my former spouses possessions back from NYC. this forged alliance of steely resolve and good nature came from my Dad too, i but a weaker version, of course. tough act to follow, this greatest generation, like staying on this road. my weeping opens at the third sign, and i slow to gain control, then consider pulling off. surely this will subside soon, so i push on, yet within a few miles another exit to these ancestral grounds appears. then my on-going struggle (5 years!) with his loss is replaced with wonder: how can there be 4 exits to a land we all know you cant go home to (again!)? and then the rain comes, so i roll down the window to give my face the excuse it doesnt need to be wet. pj rockwell 9/8/14
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:51:14 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015