Death of an Optimist

Death of an Optimist

"Snow's on the way," the email said.
Words that filled my heart with dread.
The traffic's bad enough, I thought.
I will leave early – not get caught.

Oh what an optimist I am.
I knew there'd be a traffic jam
but I knew all the back roadways.
How I adore these shortened days.

The first clue that I could be wrong
too soon arrived. It was not long.
As I tried to exit the garage
into the snow – a white barrage.

Four blocks and an hour later
as cars mimed a figure skater
my optimism finally died.
I hung my head and almost cried.

The D.C. Metro area
was filled with mass hysteria.
Common sense too soon departed
the moment that the first flakes started.

Cars were abandoned in the road
yet my resolve remained unbowed.
Steely eyed – mouth in a frown –
I watched my fuel guage going down.

I stopped for gas and then for food
as the radio told me "You're screwed.
There's no relief – no way is best
whether heading North, South, East or West!"

Still, I kept the faith – I had no choice
and ignoring my inner voice
I kept on – more stop than start –
determination in my heart.

In eight hours, I'd gone eight miles
as snow built up in towering piles.
I knew that I'd prevail - although
I still had twenty miles to go!

At 2 a.m. I reached my home,
though it felt like I drove to Nome.
All was quiet. The house was dark.
Even the dogs didn't bother to bark.

As I walked through the snow, with feelings mixed
I wondered "When will they get the power fixed?"

Notes
An entry for "Forty or More Forum" 
Prompt: Tell me about a significant winter weather event you have experienced.
Yes – this really is true and reflects the events of January 26, 2011 as I drove 28 miles in a record 10 hours and 15 minutes.

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise are all equally welcome.

Ken

I am a proud nominee for the "The Quill Awards" . Voting is currently underway to select the finalists, and I would like to invite you to visit "2011 Quills Finalist Voting"  and vote for the most deserving pieces, whether or not one is my own.