The Night Drive

The night drive home
in the middle of summer
through dark winding roads
packed suitcase
full of clothes
in her car
all alone
A distant glow
breaks the dark
in the distance
a chance for a break
a meal
refuel
not just herself
but her car also
she'll put up no resistance
The friendly welcome
illuminating aisles
welcoming smiles
not far to go now
maybe an hour
'til at last she is home
Heavens they open
and rain starts to pour
quick dash to her car
close the door
hit the road
has her fate been chosen ?
bright lights behind her
in the distance
then close
a flash of headlights
then again
blinding
tailgating her bumper
What does this maniac want ?
'Why don't you just pass ?'
eyes back on the road
you'll not scare this lass
foot down
eyes front
as they raced through the night
pursued and pursuer
she thought to herself
I must somehow lose them
looking for exits
from this nightmare
shake off this cold fright
she remembered the tales
of the killer who stalks
with an axe in the night
in this region he might
well tonight . . . . .
. . . he fails !!
with determination anew
she increases her speed
round each winding bend
stifling her screams
dodging the beams
her courage it grew
the flashing of lights
full beam once again
blinding her temporarily
as she rounds the bend
racing the night
race for her life
trying not to lose fight
gaining distance and ground
round a bend once again
sees an old rugged trail
slides in
turns off lights
kills engine
holds breath
tries to make not one sound
she sees through the trees
the pursuer pass by
"You'll never get me !"
she screams with delight
and punches the air
triumphantly
the chase and the dread
has given her thirst
so she reaches
in the back
for water to drink
cold hand grips tight
metal glistens at moonlight
and the axe swings true
and cuts off her head