Disappointment

Traveling across a countryfied road. Large hollows furbished of loose pebbles and twisted roots ascend from a prominent blue spruce. Rotting posts, a barbed wired fence, and pair of Mustangs racing 'cross a green pasture toward ole' woebegone stable, as a rusted John Deere tractor pulls away from structure. Fragmented bottles strewn along shoulder of roadway, as I swerve to avoid broken glass hidden under the sludge. As lake appears, ducks, scraggly wildflowers, clover and yellow milkweeds bloom with sounds of chortling. Pods split, releasing fluffy seeds like tiny white clouds stray across a field. A few scenic miles yet to drive before arriving at an old lumber mill for kin's annual festivities Just one more hill - should arrive 'bout five. A long eve lies ahead - not certain I know any of these families. Thunder begins rolling 'round. That's not what weatherman said! Clouds grow tenebrous, shadows overlay ground. Celebration post-poned! Awe, a pity, long drive back to city, but no one has phoned. Posing near other cars, Uncle John is leaving with his cigar, nodding to me, as he drives away. Others begin to follow. Aunt Milly, her covered dish. shrugs shoulders, "Not today" Overhead, barn swallows fly, finding cover 'neath the eaves, as rain begins to pour - a year's reprieve! Facing the storm with valor - that rusty tractor in the rear-view mirror, slowly vanishes.