same shade of dirt

the winter look.
brown, gray, black
smudged, streaked, grimy

regardless of base coat,
every vehicle in my three valleys
sports the same shade of dirt

i recognize its meaning;
winter, i continue on,
foraging out in the wilds
risking bumper and door
to traverse the slickery trails

same shade of dirt
shows on fellow sojourners
grand or petite
rich or poor
none are exempt

my garage does not prevent
this winter root treatment
car wash does not last

road dirt is impartial
for this
this
same shade of dirt