Driving Alone

They gave me the keys during the dusk of a summer day

“We’ll be driving right behind you; you know the way.”

I got into the car, recovering from the August heat

Then I started the car and drove down the city street.

After driving down the highways and through the local blocks

I reached the 169 intersection, only to be brought to a halt that would cause anyone to go into shock.

The green arrow went red about thirty seconds before I was driving straight through

But to the car racing towards me, that wasn’t true.

I slammed on the breaks to avoid a T-bone collision

There was no time to pause and contemplate my choice to avoid my soul and body’s division.

Then I remembered my parents we’re driving right behind me, and my mind started racing.

Did they see what happened?

What are they thinking right now?

Am I still trusted to drive the car?

Did I do the right thing?

But these thoughts are meaningless

Because I am no longer something  that they possess

I have grown up now, they can’t hold my hand anymore

My fate is in my hands, and that is a truth no one will ever be able to underscore