Essay: ODE TO THE ROAD

Night. Rain. Pavement squeegeed dry by tires of car ahead. NEW ENGLAND KEEP LEFT, chk-chk-chk from cars in opposite lanes, their headlights spaced out evenly by expert tailgating. Radio: "Hurricane Betsy is acting up again." Sensation of pleasant tension, smooth-pumping pistons, wiper-rhythm. WARNING SPEED CHECKED BY RADAR. Needle's right on 65. Cops make allowances. "Hey nonny nonny and a Ballantine beer." PAY TOLL AHEAD. Get out EXACT CHANGE. Hands resting lightly on wheel. "You don't believe—we're on the eve—of destruction." LINCOLN

AVE 2 MILES LINCOLN AVE 1 MILE LINCOLN AVE NEXT

RIGHT. Is it...

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