The Light on the Pavement

Should not be beautiful,
Or at least the pavement
Shouldn’t be beautiful,

But this strip through the green
Near the top of the park,
Left unplowed all winter,

A scenic tourist drive
From late spring to autumn,
Is charmed beyond setting,

The grey, faintly nubbly
Surface swooping smoothly
Through rises and long curves,

Like an invitation
To follow it somewhere.
Very clever. The best part

Of this road is to sit
Beside it, right here where
It cups the sun, chipmunks

Race across, and shadows
Lace up long afternoons
Over glowing pavement.