THE DRIVE

Today, aged forty-eight and few months, I gained the right to drive a car. A bit odd, it was, to stand amidst youth, Grey haired, bald and a paunch to boot. Like a baby taking its first steps, I drove an H, snug, between iron rods. Forward in first, backward in reverse, Turn a right and then a left, do it twice for an H. In the clutch, I sense the release In the throttle, the urge to move. Braking when enough, shifting, Gears to change my pace. Aged middle, I drove on the left Steering myself steadily. Off the middle, slightly to left I drove as I have, all my life. Ladies and gents, I always preferred the left. But never to the ridges, just a bit to port. Right or wrong, I went the way, the way My conscience drew the map. Forty-eight years, jerking and moving, Turning wildly, off on a tangent. Reckless a bit, casual a mite, but- Never did I lose the drive to live. A long drive it has been, though Through potholes, mud, rain and sleet. Curves, blocks, unexpected but- Thank God, not reached a dead end yet.