i walk the line

So, my new musical obsession is the Walk the Line soundtrack. Yes, I know it's not actually Johnny Cash singing, and only Joaquin Phoenix, but he does a pretty good job, and I liked the songs. But, the thing I never realized was that "walk the line" is actually a love song. And somehow, that just makes the whole idea of 'walking the line' even more...romantic, for lack of a better word.

Tonight we had to read aloud in class. I read three 'nature' poems that were inspired by the beginning line of a poem we read that was 'I step outside' and I was pleasantly surprised at the reaction I got. I thought I'd post the one that seemed to get the best reaction. My love affair with North Dakota and Montana is inexplainable to most people, except for maybe my dad and any other people (Marts) that feel that strong gravitational pull that those prairies and mountains have. I've been away for far too long and am excited about the possibility of getting back there soon. At any rate...here it is. Completely untitled (I welcome suggestions for both a title and the poem if you have any!)

Prairie grasses and stalks of wheat
nod their heavy heads at me,
silky corn tassels toss their
blond tresses at me
saluting me.
I amble along
I-94, going west.

Sun stretches for miles
clouds dot the sky,
shadows moving swiftly
over the prairie floor.

Cows move
lumbering gracefully
slowly chewing grass.
Horses lay in pastures,
sleeping and watching.

Fields seem endless -
sky opens to heaven.
Vast expanses -
empty.

I drive,
the road worn with
its grooves from so many
that have gone before.

When I was finished reading, she asked me a question that I've never been asked before, which is one reason that I love this professor. She asked me if I felt like I was going ahead on my own or if I feel the weight of those that have gone before. Not a question I've ever really thought of and I think it's the latter. I do feel and think about all of the people - ancestors, strangers, friends, and family that have trod the paths I am on and the ways that I go. Anyone else care to think about that question? I'm interested to hear what others have to think.

And with that...I'm off to bed. I picked Naomi up at 6 AM at the airport this morning and it's been a long day, I've got a headache like you wouldn't believe and am so ready to get out and have some fun tomorrow night!

Quote o' the day:

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." - Flora Whittemore