Red Cloud Road

A poem written on a recent visit to America. Discovered leaving Nevada, through Arizona to California.

Kickin' up the dirt
At the end of Red Cloud Road
Day by day, scorching desert play
This life, nothing shall be owed

My father was the caretaker
Tending the old mineral mine
Shut down again, that was when
My family moved here for a time

My mother helped my dad
Our life never settled in
All around, from town to town
Gypsies chancing for a win

'Go outside and find some fun!'
Mother would always scream
'Other boys would forget their toys,
In this here playground like a dream.'

And so it was each day
Taking my lone self out to play
Desperate heat, no easy feat
Kickin' up red dirt all the way

The canyons would invite me
Offer shade and cool to sit
Climbing high, to touch the sky
Owning freedom for a bit
-------------------------------------------

Adorning their best outfits
Friday shining in their eyes
Fantasy Springs, a casino that brings
Hope within it's gambling lies

They glance over their shoulders
I'm told not to leave the house
Locked and stowed, at Red Cloud Road
Scared and quiet as a mouse

They return home fueled with drink
No money left for dreams
In my bed, filled with dread
I listen to their screams

Escaping very early
My playground said to offer 'fun'
Kickin' dirt, not understanding hurt
Tears dry quick in desert sun
------------------------------------------

Silent gaze upon the distant road
Perched high on this desert rock
Trucks and cars, traveling far
My journey begs to leave this flock.....

The end of Red Cloud Road
Kickin' up dirt is where i'd be
Not for long, soon I'd be strong
To wander far and free

Reviews

[Bright Ocean Star]

KWP, this one is sad. I see that little boy with nothing to do, but watch his parents fight and drink and take in the heat. The desert is an unforgivable place. A beautiful, dangerous place with unforgiving heat and no water to speak of. You words capture the beauty of the red dust and the surrounding majestic geology...yet it is a tale of a sad boy in the desert, with emotion that breaks my heart. This is a very powerful piece, my friend. thank you.

[KWP]

you caught the exactly as they were written xxx Thank you xx

[Cindy Marietta]

This is fantastic, love the idea of being free out in the desert. Great flow with rhyming!

[A. Amos]

Enjoyed the read from start till the end...simply brilliant my friend!

[KWP]

Thank you for reading Mr A. :)

[A. Amos]

You should have let me know you were in US, maybe next time and your most welcome!

[KWP]

that's so lovely and kind of you :) we were hanging out mainly in Cali, Arizona & Mexico xx

[A. Amos]

Next time you stay with us, anyway hope you had great time:)

[NoelHC]

I related to that road as well, explored a bit of Nevada and Arizona, and traveled through those canyons and dusty roads myself.
It would be great to have a place such as you describe at the end, to get away from it all.

[KWP]

hey Noel - cheers for having a read ... although the old mine on Red Cloud Road didn't look to be too welcoming ... especially in the heat of the desert xx

[R Smith]

An exceptional poem, i wonder do we all have a Red Cloud Road somewhere in our past, or at least something similar depending on where in the world you live, you got good strong lines and rhyme's here makes me feel nostalgic even though my past is different to your poem's, i think the ability to make someone feel like that shows you to be a first class poet, thank you :)

[KWP]

ahhh thanks Richard ... lovely to read your words xxx

[R Smith]

you are so welcome :)

[Rene Salinas]

This writing is full of memories and vivid experiences. I grew up beside the ocean so my scene as a little boy was so very different. All the same the nature of playing with that which is available and the impact it has, the relationships to our Mom and Dad the people that surround you they all become part of your upbringing they mold you as such. A very well structured, consonant view into the picture of childhood memories.

Thankyou

[wordman]

I guess this poem brings back childhood memories from Georgia with it`s dirt roads and we kicked up the dust and red clay

[Tech]

Great imagery and also the repetition is very strong and well placed. I like the fact that you stuck to the desert theme throughout because most people talking about California go to the coast as a theme but I would assume you did not visit it at all or at least till the poem was written. Overall well written and gives a unique look at the west of the US.

[KWP]

oh yeah I hopped around the coast but for some reason when I drove past Red Could Road and saw there was an old mine at the end of it something grabbed me and took me to that special place where time knows nothing of its own conception and within the solitude i did fly :))) xx

[Tech]

That's awesome like I said it's rare for people to find a connection with that part of the area.

[Einstein Noodle]

i love the lure and lore of the desert SW .. vivid images spring to mind reading your poem ..... desert dust and heat inhibit breath .. check out this i think you might enjoy ..
http://youtu.be/B3cpvK7dO_U
E.

[KWP]

Thanks for the song Mr Noodle :) I was in the states earlier this year, driving back from Death Valley I believe and I saw this road and the thought came to mind and it was great to write it when I arrived home again ... thanks for the song too x x