September 21, 2010

roadside attraction

It turns out the geographical center of the continent is not
well-marked. Driving into the town famous only for its location
I see an electric red tower skewering out of the trees. And yet,
arriving at its base, I discover the structure is, instead, a monument signaling
the proximity of the high school, where I suppose other great
moments of different magnitude are being celebrated. The landmark
I am looking for is elsewhere, the surprisingly mundane spate
of land occupied by a gas station convenience store. At first, I think
it sacreligious, a dishonor to the earth it's standing on. But not every treasure
will be healded with signposts. Sometimes all you need is knowing you were there.