I wouldn't call this a poem.
Maybe someone would call this a poem.
I wouldn't, but perhaps someone would.
It was a fun one to write and envision.

I wrote it while thinking about high school
and texting on a flip phone
and driving in my pick-up truck
and listening to Yellowcard's Ocean Avenue record
and going on a first date
and fixing my hair
and printing off directions on MapQuest
and all the nerves.

This was inspired by the writing prompt Windows Down.

Also, I saw a tweet mentioning MapQuest and that’s what kickstarted this writing.

“C u soon!”
Send.
Mapquest.com.
File.
Print.
Shirt.
Pants.
Shoes.
Left.
Right.
Deodorant.
Left.
Swipe.
Swipe.
Right.
Swipe.
Swipe.
Teeth.
Hair.
Hair.
Hair.
Double check deodorant.
Mouthwash.
Wallet.
$10 bill and a $1 bill.
$11 total.
More than enough.
Phone.
Keys.
Hair.
“Bye mom!”
“Be home by 11!”
“Okay!”
“Love you!”
“Love you, too!”
Volume up to 15.
Track 3.
Ocean Avenue.
Windows down.
Reverse.
Drive.
Right.
Right.
Red light.
Track 10.
Inside Out.
Green light.
Left.
Right.
Right.
Left.
Left.
Left.
Breathe.
Park.
Hair.
Pray.
Windows up.
“I think I’m here!”
Send.
Buzz.
“I see you!”

For more of my poetry, check out my books!