ROUTE 1 - HAKONE (steam mix)

Early on a holiday morning, at the start of the climb on National Route 1.
The tang of the Seisho coast fades; the oceans horizon slips into the rearview.
After the last mishap, I skip the convenience store and stay flat-out.

For some reason the seat is still cold.
My red convertible pulses, and I fall into sync with the mountains heartbeat.

Once the streets of Odawara fall away, the air turns a shade clearer.
Ease the throttle just a touch, and the scenery still stretches straight up.

Miyanoshita, Kowakudani. White plumes rise beyond the guardrail.
A hint of sulfur brushes my nose. I want a hot spring now-so badly the urge gets ahead of my right foot.

The higher the altitude, the thicker the fog, the colder the air on my skin.
My wet skirt clings with a chill I cant shake.
At every corner the view cuts to white.
The unease in my chest seems to amplify, and I drop a gear in silence.

Before Owakudani, the white curls into a wall.