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

[Tobias Rasmussen]

Impressive. I like the way you paint the scenery with a dry scorching sun and red dirt. I have never been to the US but you made it very easy to picture it in my head. Like an old western.

[KWP]

Cheers Tobias ... appreciate the feedback ... what didn't you like about the poem ? I will check yours out later today x x

[Tobias Rasmussen]

I'm not entirely sure. There are some things which probably makes more sense if i had been from an english speaking country. The fact that i miss out on some of the figures of speech makes it hard for me to see the connections. They return home fueled with drink
No money left for dreams
In my bed, filled with dread
I listen to their screams
that one makes me wonder whether or not a better wordplay could be made. However I really appreciated the reading it was really nice :)

[KWP]

Thanks for hetting back to me :) x