The Morning Commute

Some weeks just call for chocolate sprinkles. Intro: Bang Bang, Dizzy Gillespie, Verve Reissues (1966) Poem: A Confession, Czesław Miłosz Song: Bullseye, Fulton Lee, Lolipop Records (2023)

Big carpool-lane energy. Intro: Bang Bang, Dizzy Gillespie, Verve Reissues (1966) Poem: Spring, W.S. Merwin Song: Discopolis, Discoholic, Discoholic (2024)

I won't comment on the size of your lunchbox if you don't comment on the quality of my merge. Intro: Bang Bang, Dizzy Gillespie, Verve Reissues (1966) Poem: Not to Know How to Live, Jim Moore Song: The Good Life, Devon Gilfillian, Capitol Records (2020)

Traffic jams are the vehicular equivalent of a Zoom meeting. Intro: Bang Bang, Dizzy Gillespie, Verve Reissues (1966) Poem: I Tell My Heart, Kim Addonizio Song: Someone to Follow, Aoife O'Donovan, Yep Roc Records (2024)

I don't think the car missed us, but it sure seems peppier today.

How many donuts eaten in the car stays in the car. Intro: Blame It on the Boogie, The Jacksons, Epic (1978) Poem: November 18, Ted Kooser Music: Walking On Sunshine, Katrina & The Waves, Capitol Records (1985)

Any day is a holiday if you leave work early enough. Intro: Blame It on the Boogie, The Jacksons, Epic (1978) Poem: Late Summer, Carrie Fountain Music: Agua De Beber, Astrud Gilberto;Antônio Carlos Jobim, Universal Music Group (1965)

If you don't know what that Grey Poupon is for, you need to find a new carpool. Intro: Blame It on the Boogie, The Jacksons, Epic (1978) Poem: In Passing, Lisa Mueller Music: Let's Groove, Earth, Wind & Fire, Legacy Recordings (1981)

Tuesday is the parsley of weekdays. Intro: Blame It on the Boogie, The Jacksons, Epic (1978) Poem: Lost, David Wagoner Music: Virtual Insanity - Remastered 2013, Jamiroquai, Sony Music CG (1996)

The good news is you made it to the car. The bad news is where it's going. Intro: Blame It on the Boogie, The Jacksons, Epic (1978) Poem: Gift of the Book, C.D. Wright Music: Lovely Day, Bill Withers, Columbia/Legacy (1977)

Donuts don't need to be announced. Intro: As, George Michael;Mary J. Blige, Epic (1998) Poem: From 'Sabbaths 2007', Wendell Berry Music: Escuela de Calor, Radio Futura, Ariola (1984)

Thursday is Schrödinger's weekday: both the weekend and not. Intro: As, George Michael;Mary J. Blige, Epic (1998) Poem: local man ruins everything, Adrienne Novy Music: Many Moons, Janelle Monáe, Bad Boy Records (2008)

We can do this. Right? Intro: As, George Michael;Mary J. Blige, Epic (1998) Poem: Instructions on Not Giving Up, Ada Limón Music: You Have to Dance (feet), Esperanza Spalding, Concord Records (2019)

I don't care how fast you drive, as long as it's not in front of me. Intro: As, George Michael;Mary J. Blige, Epic (1998) Poem: Coda, Octavio Paz Music: Sir Duke, Stevie Wonder, UNI/MOTOWN (1976)

I'm team roundabout, because don't we all have better things to do? Intro: As, George Michael;Mary J. Blige, Epic (1998) Poem: On Meditating, Sort Of, Mary Oliver Music: Bemba Colorá, Celia Cruz, Fania (1966)

Schrödinger's donuts: they're either in the breakroom or already gone. Intro: A Matter of Time, Dr Rubberfunk;Izo FitzRoy, Jalapeno Records (2020) Poem: Karma Repair Kit, Items 1 Through 4, Richard Brautigan Music: We Were Rock and Roll, Janelle Monáe, Bad Boy/Wondaland (2013)

You've earned enough commute points for a free small coffee with your purchase! Intro: A Matter of Time, Dr Rubberfunk;Izo FitzRoy, Jalapeno Records (2020) Poem: Letter to a Bridge Made of Rope, Matthew Olzmann Music: symptom of life, WILLOW, Three Six Zero Recordings (2024)

I'll bet you know more alternate routes than co-workers' names. Intro: A Matter of Time, Dr Rubberfunk;Izo FitzRoy, Jalapeno Records (2020) Poem: A Prayer for Future Us, Harriet Solinas Music: Pay Your Way In Pain, St. Vincent, Loma Vista Recordings (2021)

Nothing says 'work ethic' like a commute. Intro: A Matter of Time, Dr Rubberfunk;Izo FitzRoy, Jalapeno Records (2020) Poem: Do not ask your children to strive, William Martin Music: The Feels, TWICE, Republic Records - TWICE (2021)

You either had a rough weekend or you hit the snooze bar once too often this morning. Intro: A Matter of Time, Dr Rubberfunk;Izo FitzRoy, Jalapeno Records (2020) Poem: Matins, Louise Glück Music: Adventure of a Lifetime, Coldplay, Parlophone UK (2015)

This meeting could've been a donut. Intro: 9 to 5, Dolly Parton, RCA Records Label (1980) Poem: God Is Drepressed, Ana Božičević Music: FREEDOM, Jon Batiste, Verve (2021)

Whoever said the car is America's living room probably needs to vacuum. Intro: 9 to 5, Dolly Parton, RCA Records Label (1980) Poem: You Reading This, Be Ready, William Stafford Music: Don't Leave Me This Way, Thelma Houston, Crisler Music (2012)

Wednesday is the purgatory of commuting. Intro: 9 to 5, Dolly Parton, RCA Records Label (1980) Poem: The Prescence in Absence, Linda Gregg Music: Electric Energy, Ariana DeBose;Boy George;Nile Rodgers, Platoon (2024)

If the commute is 'me time', why are we talking? Intro: 9 to 5, Dolly Parton, RCA Records Label (1980) Poem: "I NEVER SAW A WILD THING SORRY FOR ITSELF" - D.H. Lawrence, L.E. Bowman Music: Golden Years - 2002 Remaster, David Bowie, Parlophone UK (2002)

The AUX is a privilege, not a right. Intro: 9 to 5, Dolly Parton, RCA Records Label (1980) Poem: The Triumph of Achilles, Louise Glück Music: Heavy Cross, Gossip, Columbia (2009)