Pegasus at the Pump, by laura jackson

Gas, by Edward Hopper (USA) 1940

Pegasus at the Pump

It’s early evening and the man 
in his long-sleeved white shirt 
is thinking about home. 
He shuts off the three gas pumps 

that stand sentry all day  
on their concrete island 
in the middle of what 
looks like nowhere. 

The light from inside has followed 
him and the faint hum of the radio. 
Above the station the Mobil sign 
sways a bit then steadies. 

In the tall trees it is already dark. 
Wild country grasses - orange 
and gold - explode like night tracers 
framing this country road. 

Here is what I want to know 
from the man in this painting, 
the man leaning over so slightly 
whose face is hidden from view, 

that he can still choose fire, 
leave his threadbare jacket draped 
over the leather chair, step out 
into what is holy and take flight. 

laura jackson

​laura jackson:  "I retired a few years back from my work as a documentary producer and  teacher. Throughout my life I have written poems sporadically and decided to give  myself the gift of joining the MFA program at Rosemont College. It has been wonderful  to spend time among a community of writers and to dedicate more of my life to writing  and reading poetry."