Things to Learn

Late afternoon you
asked where I might go
I said "down the road
I don't really know",
you asked if I would like
a rider for awhile
perhaps determine if
I like your style,

I paid for the gas
bought two cups of brew
nodded my head
opened the door for you,
you slid into the seat
Levi jeans and coat
I started up the engine
and that is all she wrote,

Pulled back on the Interstate
pushed the peddle down
a hand moved to my knee
that miles-per-hour sound,
the song of rolling rubber
the sun setting slow
both of us pretty
sure where to go,

Eighty miles later
just short of an hour
the sun now set
backed off on the power,
rolled down the exit
took two lefts and a right
a vintage old motel
we could spend the night,

I paid for the room
on the end, in the rear
you touched up your lipstick
in the rear-view mirror,
opened the car door
you emerged with a smile
content with the future
for at least awhile,

I clicked the door open
your thumb hooked in my belt
we looked into the room
let inhibitions melt,
turned and kissed your lips
you kissed me in return
took off your coat
we both had things to learn,