The Busy Part of 127
He stopped traffic
on the busy part of 127,
and then just slowed it down.
Sometimes when it’s quiet,
I wonder
why the whole world hinges
on that wet, bedraggled dog,
limping,
weaving forward and back
across the double-yellow line,
getting smaller and smaller
in my rearview mirror.
— Rodd Whelpley
Rodd Whelpley is the editor of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine.
His novel, Capitol Murder, a mystery set in Springfield, was published in 2003. This poem was
originally published in the 2005 Alchemist
Review, the creative journal of the UIS English
Program. Free copies of the journal, which contains poetry and short
stories, are available at the university.
People’s Poetry accepts poems on any subject,
but ones that deal with issues of local interest are encouraged. Send yours
to Books and Poetry Editor Corrine Frisch c/o Illinois
Times, P.O. Box 5256, Springfield, IL 62705,
or to cfrisch@illinoistimes.com with “People’s Poetry” in
the subject line.
This article appears in May 12-18, 2005.
