Photography © Jennifer Matthews

 

Slow Down

“Drive like your Grandma is with you. Slow down.”
The latest of the interstate messages
displayed as I drove on the interstate.
Did they want me to drive like my grandmother,

where everyone would be cussing me
as I drove the speed that she drove at,
cars passing me by, looking at me in disgust,
wondering where I learned how to drive,

but I would proudly tell them,
from my wonderful grandmother.
Do you want a lesson from me?
At least my grandmother would be proud,

and as for the state highway department,
I think I have answered them,
for I slowed down for them,
they, getting their suggestion honored.

 

Duane Anderson currently lives in La Vista, NE. After his retirement, he started writing poetry again after too long of an absence. He volunteers with American Red Cross as an Donor Ambassador on their blood drives when writing or reading books.

Poet/Photographer Jennifer Matthews’ poetry has been published in Nepal by Pen Himalaya and locally by the Wilderness Retreat Writers Organization, Midway Journal, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street Press and Boston Girl Guide. Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of poetry Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors. Her songs have been released nationally and internationally and her photography has been used as covers for a number of Ibbetson Street Press poetry books and has been exhibited at The Middle East Restaurant, 1369 Coffeehouses, Sound Bites Restaurant in Somerville and McLean Hospital.