He insisted that the road wound around the hill all the way to the top with

No stops.

He lied.

On purpose.

..

On the first curve was an ice-cream truck.

I passed it by.

First test passed.

On the next curve was a shining silver lake.

I passed.

Second test.

..

Around the hill two more times until

Around the very next curve

Sat Sigourney Weaver.

I hesitated.

My foot eased off the gas.

Then I pushed down, sped up

And almost hit a car coming down.

That was a close one.

..

Then just at a narrow pass, were two abandoned puppies.

How cruel not to stop and take them!

However, I pursurviered.

Onward and upward!

..

On a lay-by a man was selling a Jane Eyre first edition, for $19.95.

Oh torture! Oh heartbreak!

I passed by.

..

I looked in the rear view mirror until he disappeared.

Hours into the climb I could see the hilltop.

Victory was at hand!

In fast succession came

A garden of roses,

A meadow of wildflowers,

A vacation home on the Maine coast,

A full set of strong teeth,

My father alive,

My grandmother alive,

All my pets alive,

I sped past them all,

and raced to the very top.

And forgot why I had come.