in the rear view mirror

in the rear view
mirror

things behind you get smaller
and smaller

as the odometer clicks
off the miles

in rapid succession.

what lies behind
is reduced

to the fine
of point of disappearing.

the straight line
of the highway

out of town, leaves much
behind,

just the silt
remains on the windshield,

the crust of
ancient rust on the undercarriage
of a relieved
mind.

you take some of it with you.
but for
the most part,

you're done, it's gone. you're
gone.

forward the wheels spin,
pedal to the metal.