drivin' the one

poppies of orange blanket the mountains

and dress the coastal roadside

with their contagious smiling faces.

the paved snake hugs

each tight curve 

that belts around the looming cliffs.

i roll the window down

letting the breeze run through my fingers.

the company of a dear friend

and my nikon draping around my neck

convinces me that

this joy

is a taste of the kingdom.

satisfaction and gratitude

drip the ink from my pen

as i cross off

"drive along the 1"

from my list of things to do.