Roadworks

When Oedipus killed his father
he had a choice of three roads:
one led to Corinth, one led to Thebes.
And the third ?

Roads can blind you with their complexity.
Step off, to pick flowers
rest, sleep, re-kindle old love
and roadworks spring up barring your way.
Holes appear at random.
Drilling continues late into the night.
Telegraph wires, newly strung, relay
whispered messages
to the nameless keepers of the road.

They say there is a prize if you keep
walking forever.

I met two men who had been walking all their lives.
They told a tale of eagles swooping,
attacking travellers like them,
trying to drive them from the road.
I followed for a mile but couldn’t keep up.
Telegraph wires snapped as they walked.
The men said they were nearing the end of
their road.

Eventually, like Oedipus, you come to a parting
of the ways.
One road leads to Corinth; one road leads
to Thebes.
The third brings you back
to re-work the road.