Salem Road

Salem Road

© 2013 Jeff Jackson

Woke up this morning and wondered,

will this be just another day?

Hop in the truck and we’re running,

my mama’s heading on her way.

We drive, fly down Salem Road.

The pollen’s hanging on the pine trees,

waiting to fall into my nose.

The window’s down, wind’s a-blowin’.

My baby brother’s ‘bout to doze.

I see the cows and the donkeys,

I see the massive bales of hay.

I see the fields and the fence posts.

The old pecan trees stand and sway.

My mama loves this stretch of road;

two lanes to carry all her loads.

Their ain’t no crying and no TV shows,

Only the sound of wind that blows.

Right down Salem Road.

And now we’re heading back home.

This wasn’t just another day.

The red sun setting on the mountain.

“Thanks be to God,” I hear her say.