Miles Between Exits

*




Tom Joad carries a five gallon gas can,

towards the dropping orange sun.

Jesus looks to Tom and says “I’ll take it for awhile.“



They walk along the shoulder,

framed by shadowy finger clouds.

Sirens blare threats in the distance.



Tom hands the can to Jesus,

and nods a thank you,

his arm already feeling light enough to float.



Jesus feels the strain,

in his purpled eye, cheekbone

still stinging from the billy-club.



Wincing, Jesus says,

“It's like we never stop walking”

Tom replies, “I know, but we’re almost there.”



and wonders how best to tell Jesus

that the gas gauge in his Chevy

doesn’t work.

   

            -Brent Allard