In the poem "Route 1, Philadelphia to Highland Park" by Gwendolyn Brooks, the speaker is reflecting on a road trip taken with his father. Throughout the poem, the speaker describes the physical landscape and his experiences on the trip, but also reflects on his relationship with his father and the memories of his childhood.
At the end of the poem, the speaker realizes that his father, who had always seemed like a strong and unbreakable figure in his life, is actually mortal and will not be around forever. The realization comes to him as he watches his father doze off in the car, and he reflects on the fact that "for this sleeping, whom have I hurt?" The speaker recognizes the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time he has with his father while he still can. The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging the beauty of the world around him and the love he has for his father.