Beethoven on a Dark Road

Twenty-three minutes past midnight on a dark, rural roadway.

Vehicle lights, tower lights, distant, orange glow from a faraway town.

Road noise and the sounds of wind rushing past closed windows; hypnotic.

Thinking of other nights, another kind of peace, a different warm darkness.

What's missing that would bring back some pleasant spark of those feelings?

Then, as if on queue, Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto; the middle movement.

Suddenly, distant lights take on an aura. Road noise turns to ambiance.

The mind, while still alert, goes to rest. Peace, joy, connections, reminiscence.

Listen. Drive.

Become aware of the stars again.

___________________________________Phil Miller