Journey to the Dead End

Paige Martin

English Composition

February 09, 2018 

“Journey to the Dead End”

         Marked with a bold yellow and black “Dead End” sign; many people ignore the opportunity to explore. It winds and twists and has hills that make my palms sweat and my heart palpitate. The beginning of this road is shrouded by massive Oaks and Pines that have somehow survived development year after year. I can’t help but think they were specifically selected to stay. Their long and wise branches, on either side of the road, meet overhead and if I give into the illusion, the limbs are suspended above the ground. It’s as if I’m driving through a beautiful tunnel of hugging trees.

When I was a kid we called it “Roller Coaster Road” and as I come to the first incline, the nose of my car aimed to the sky, I remember exactly how the road got the pseudo name. I press my gas to reach the top. Within seconds gravitational force tugs at my heart and my stomach. I fly down the first hill.  My brake met with another sharp twist through the tree tunnel and then I shoot up another incline! It is here, at the top of this second hill, I will get the first glimpse of the blue sky kissing the ocean shortly beyond the trees. My heart flutters with anticipation.

As fast as I transmit a preview, it’s gone again! My stomach churns and my heart races as I glide through the hills and twists like a Nascar driver. My curiosity of what is to come eludes my fear when I smell the salt. I know I’m here! This time at the bottom of the hill I take it slow because the trees have opened for me, the road has surely ended, and my ride lead me to a quaint cul-de-sac.

Now, I see it all, the dark brown wooden staircase and the Cape Cod Bay Sunset. I know the waves are just a short journey down the sandy covered stairs, I can hear them dancing already.

As I park, mansions have claimed stake all around me. They scream this is our land, but the ocean mutes their silly voices. I’d say they were an eyesore but honestly the houses themselves are… enchanting. Like jewelry for the sea to show off. They are massive, and I envision they have glass walls that watch the ocean, and large white cathedral ceilings…much to my chagrin, I envy them even though the houses are merely accessories. I take it in all in as I stand in the mist of this “Dead End”. I’m overlooking this paradise and admiring the 20 stairs that lead down to the sand. From up here I feel so small, its only me, tourists have yet to migrate here because of the warning at the beginning of the road. A well-played ‘townie’ trick.