If I were the old red
farm
truck
I’d
rust gracefully,
warm
myself
in
the sun
no
matter
who
was looking
or
not looking.
I’d
rumble through town
turning
heads and
causing
classy
kinds
to
sputter,
gape
and guffaw
at
my sheer lack
of
gloss.
I’d
smell like tobacco,
oranges,
and
tar—
even
on Saturday nights
when
I’d
idle
slowly,
taking
up more space
than
they’d think
I
ought to have,
and
park
at
the old drive-in
with
Coke and popcorn
stuck
to my seat
while
somebody
kisses
somebody else
for
the first time,
forever.
©
2014 Jennifer Wagner
You have given life to this old farm truck. I can just see it rusting with grace. There is a lot of atmosphere in this poem. Nice to see you at Poetry Jam.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, this is really very touching! I am sure there are lots of those old farm trucks sitting deserted somewhere. They have their memories, I am sure, and you gave personality to one of them! This is an excellent poem, makes me smile as I reflect from the truck's point of view.
ReplyDeleteah you have given that old truck quite the character...i love it...i grew up rolling around in one...my first car was and old truck i could not destroy if my life depended on it...and it rusted...and that was character too...smiles.
ReplyDeleteOld things seem to reflect such a wonderful patina of history in their "sheer lack of gloss" and simply by having survived well past their glory days, conjure forth happy images.
ReplyDeletenice ...just very nice poem
ReplyDeleteThis is great. I love classic, aged cars and trucks (which is why I have a VW bus). You made the truck come alive. Well done.
ReplyDeletean interesting voice of the truck presenting a slice of life...love the end...
ReplyDeleteinteresting thoughts of a truck
ReplyDeleteReminds me of Megatron :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband had a shiny Chevy pick up when we first got married. I recall more than one 'forever' kiss in that truck. Great poem.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about those trucks - I miss mine. Great writing, it conjures up memories and captures perfectly the image of an old truck and...life.
ReplyDeleteLove this Jennifer ~ Specially admire I'd rust gracefully and smell tobacco and even witness that special first kiss ~
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me so much of my dad. He always drove an old truck, so many memories of driving around with him drinking hot chocolate, listening to music etc. Beautifully done!
ReplyDeletean enjoyable read...I think you'd make quite a spectacular old farm truck.
ReplyDeletei love the way you make your words breathe with life and unfold the magic of simple things. this shows the beauty of your heart and mind. so much enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteWonderful poem. I loved that you took the view of the old farm truck! Inspired indeed.
ReplyDeletewhat a perfect image ~
ReplyDelete