STRESSFUL SHUT-EYE
BY DRIVER/POET/ARTIST TREVOR HARDWICK
Have you ever had one of those weeks when you’ve run so hard that you’re actually past the point of exhaustion? Or, maybe you’ve had so much on your mind that when it comes time to get some rest, your mind just keeps on spinning. I certainly don’t condone driving while you’re tired – we all know it’s dangerous and irresponsible. But, I’m sure we’ve all had our share of times when we finally get to relax and get some shut-eye but we just can’t seem to fall asleep (especially with the silly logbook rules that require us to try to rest when we’re not tired and vice-versa). What’s worse is when you finally fall asleep and you have a dream that you’re running out of control and can’t slow down, even if you want to. That’s when you know you’ve been running too hard. I read somewhere that dreams usually only last a few seconds, and typically not longer than 2 minutes, which is interesting because they always seem so much longer when you consider all the detail and activity that a dream can involve. I, personally, dream in color, as opposed to black and white, and I almost always remember my dreams in full detail. This poem is a description of what such a dream can feel like. I hope you enjoy it. And I’d like to thank my sweet friend Kim Grimm who, upon hearing me recite a rough draft of the poem, was observant enough to catch this picture that perfectly accompanies the words. Thanks, Kim!
WHAT DREAMS CAN DO
By Trevor Hardwick
The letter “T” is blinking, on the neon motel sign,
I’m staring at the ceiling, and I’m trying to unwind.
The clock beside the bed tells me, it’s thirteen after two,
I try to fall asleep, but all I think about is you.
I turned the TV off, but I can hear one through the wall,
I also hear a fire truck, responding to a call.
I recollect my busy week, I’ve run so hard I’m beat,
Then, suddenly, I’m at the wheel, and in the drivers seat!
I’m on a mountain pass, and I just crested at the top,
I need to slow ‘er down, but I just can’t afford to stop.
I try to grab a gear, as I head down the other side,
I pass another roadside cross, that marks where someone died.
I’m gaining more momentum, and I’m swerving left and right,
The bottom is a long way down, the curves are getting tight.
A deer jumps out in front of me, then somehow disappears,
Suddenly you’re next to me, you’re eyes are filled with tears.
You beg me to slow down, but I keep speeding up instead,
My heart starts beating faster, as the traffic stops ahead.
The R.P.M.’s are gaining, and the engine starts to roar,
The brakes are not responding, and my foot is to the floor!
The noise is getting louder, and I strip a couple gears,
A quick look in my mirror, reveals another of my fears.
State patrol is on my tail, with lights of red and blue,
The road is getting icy, and there’s nothing I can do.
His siren is of no effect, it’s just ringing in my ears,
I swear I can hear people laugh, and I can’t even steer.
Laughing, shouting, crying, grinding, sirens from the cop,
Converging all together, and then all at once... they STOP!
The letter “T” is blinking, on the neon motel sign,
My heart is pounding in my chest, and I’ve lost track of time.
I hear the sirens down the street, and the TV through the wall,
There’s no one here but me, and so your name is what I call.
Wide awake and soaked in sweat, it’s weird what dreams can do,
I’d swear that I was on that pass, stressing-out with you.
So now I’m staring at the ceiling, wondering what to do.
The clock beside the bed tells me, it’s fifteen after two.