I took the toll road every day
and always got to work by nine
until there was a traffic jam
and my life was on the line.

An exit beckoned. I went left
and drove along an unknown route.
Another detour sent me round,
drifting onward, into doubt.

I checked my watch. I had some time,
and so I pressed with lesser speed,
relaxed my grip upon the wheel,
and wondered where this street would lead.

The vistas - nothing like before
with evergreens, entrancing hills,
a farm and pond I hadn't seen,
and then the mountains gave me chills,

so much, I slowed down, pulled aside,
undid my seat belt, stepped outside,
absorbed their grandeur long and sighed.
That was the morning I'd decide

to leave the speedway world behind
and take this way with peace of mind.
I leave some minutes earlier
and nevermore make life a blur.