And Into the Night She Drove

Tribute to Pauline, my wife, on her 50th birthday, Loving husband, Robert.

T’was the night before Albuquerque

At that dark and snowy rest stop

When on the freeway in the distance

We saw the cars and trucks slip, slop

The line up the hill was slow at best

And we began to wonder if

Our Ford Fairmont was strong enough

To pull ourselves up that cliff

Our first attempt was sideways

And a scary ride at that

But movement toward the top would be

more of a challenge-so we sat

We figured we needed traction

On the back of that old car

To keep from slipping and sliding

So the plan went with our appeal

I mounted that old bumper with

A smile upon my face

And into the night she drove

With a much, more quicker pace

We started rather slow at first

But soon the wind and snow

Was flying by my bright red ears

As our speed began to grow

Faster and faster we began to fly

Up that lonesome hill.

In the middle of the night we sped

I thought to myself what a thrill!

The moon was bright and the snow was falling

As our car climbed toward the summit

No slipping or sliding I cried out “here we go”!

loud as any trumpet

But as speed became too great I suddenly slipped

From my back stands

And Pauline drove away in silence

Leaving me with my bare hands.

I screamed and yelled in that darkness

As she swerved and sped away.

Honey, I think you’ve gone far enough

Our slipping should be O.K.

As the car zoomed onward in the

Distance I could see.

A hand emerged from the window waving

Come on just follow me.

The night was cold and frosty

As I hoofed along that road

Please “slow down” I yelled to her

But the car could not be slowed

On and On we went-the night was

Surely done.

With me on foot-without a coat

Oh what could be more fun?

Finally, the car began to slow as the

Road was level now.

So I began to gain a little but

Was delayed by a giant snow plow!

Far ahead the tail lights blinked as

I ran with all my might

The end could not be sooner as

She continued through the night.

“Hurry up” she called to me

As into the Night She Drove

Just jump right in and take a seat

So through the door I dove.

I sat and prayed I’d just thaw out

As into the Night She Drove

I sat and prayed I’d just thaw out

As into the Night She Drove

Robert Smith, Arizona 2025