The Age of Trust

The Age of Trust

A Highway of Tears

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Photo byBrooke Cagle onUnsplash

Along a rural highway, a young teen girl waits.

Thumb extended, indicating her intention.

Her long blonde hair carried away by 

lively summer breezes.

Fresh from high school and her 

sheltered family life,

She decides to visit her friend

in the famed city of L.A.

She foresees a wild summer of hanging 

on the beach.

A free spirit encourages her brilliant smile.

Luxury cars pass, ignoring her invitation.

Finally, a ratty old Laurentian stops.

Young dudes and chicks

cruising around with apparent agitation

and possibly substance,

offer a ride.

This virgin of life, this cherub of custody 

is scooped into the arms of

the melodramatic and chaotic.

Blinded by innocence and 

wanting an escape from the ordinary,

she takes the leap.

The tiger is waiting.

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Shirley Langton 2021 

* Hitchhiking was a usual practice in the 60s and 70s. It was probably dangerous then, but more so now. Consider the potential realities.