A Time My Life Changed--Poem V3

[[I still can't tell if I have enough images and how I "show" how I feel. Give me any spots you think I can add something!]]

Independence

The key is in the ignition
My hands on the wheel
I check to make sure everything is in place:
Water, wallet, and my purse full of things:
A bag of pretzels, directions, a pair of gloves, a book
(In case I stop and boredom consumes me)
My nerves are strung like a stressed violin; my mind scrambling with anticipation
Here I am about to embark on the longest journey on my own
The road is decided by me, although I must follow the same path to reach the end

I start the car, raising it from its slumber, and drive onto the street
Just my iPod and me, strolling down the highways, freeways, and interstates
However I get nervous and begin to slightly tremble, horrible thoughts explode inside
How could my parents let me do this?
I’m only 17! I shouldn’t be out driving in this dangerous world!
A semi goes by and cars around me honk at one another
(I agree with myself even more than before)
My speedometer reads 75, the highest it’s ever gone
This is too much; I don’t think I can do this.
What if I get lost?
Is that black ice?
That car looks really close...What if I crash?
This is crazy!

But then I relax and breathe…I’m 17. Plenty old to go driving into the beautiful country
Shy hills of farmland, nests of snow, horses prancing in the distance
The sun is high and the sky is the epitome of blue
The smell of new grass slithers through my window and soothes me
A calm acoustic song begins on my iPod and makes me smile
My body is composed and my shoulders rest comfortably as I keep driving

No one is around and I enjoy the moments alone
Moments of thoughtfulness
Thinking of my destination
Pondering my future
How I relate to the song that I hear

I could do this again; hundreds maybe thousands of times!
Just driving to places I want to go and to see people I want to see
I’m ready for the moments like this that will be coming up fast:
Moments of independence