the vibrating bed

we were tired from the long

drive,

still days ahead

of us

before reaching home

when

we spotted a roadside motel

near the railroad

tracks.

it was raining, past midnight.

so we got a room.

thin curtains, thin mattress,

the smell of smoke

and onions

in the air.

two lamps on two

identical dressers. a picture

of a Spanish galleon

on the wall.

free wi-fi and color tv

free, the sign read, but we

didn't turn it on.

however we did put quarters

into the machine that made

the bed vibrate,

so all wasn't lost.