a different world

to avoid
the wagon full
of bearded men
and women
in long dresses
with bonnets
and muddied boots
you slow almost
to a stop
in your car.
you turn off
the gps, lower
the radio,
stop talking
on your phone
and push the button
to let the window
go down.
you hear
the snap of the slender
whip,
the horses hooves
on the pavement.
the quick roll
of the wheels,
the silence
of the passengers
straight backed
in their seats,
in no hurry,
to let your
world go by.