Miles of roads with potholes, and somber skies and silence; upset my stern resolve, and my sense of self-reliance. Watch out for tortoises, the sign ahead, did read; the way was rough and bumpy, so I had to watch my speed. I never saw a turtle, and nothing on the wing; 'tis but a fact I can relate, I never saw a thing. Just the wide expanse of desert, and Joshua trees galore; I was sort of disappointed, I had expected more. Then, from out of nowhere, came the hurried, speeding train; and stopped me at the crossing, 'till caboose was on the wane.