A Day For a Lifetime

Driving my car across the country, numerous years ago, going to a new place, Changing who I’d know A loud bang broke the boredom and blue smoke filled the air, engine was A ’knocking, a sound beyond compare I rolled onto a shoulder she shuddered then just quit, steam billowed, gurgled Upward, a vaporous boiling spit Radiator hose blown open, fan belt a shredded knot, out in the center of nowhere My old motor smoking hot In the trunk I found duct tape, a knotted ball of rusty wire, a pair Big Mama Pantyhose tucked beneath the flat spare tire Duct taped her hose- wiped her nose a rusty water spot, wound nylons ‘round Her pulleys tied them in a big old hairy knot She sputtered on, then started, guzzled water like a horse, I slammed her hood to Close it shut, and got her back on course I landed in the town of Burning Fork slightly after six, found Joe’s Garage and Mini Mart, hoped that there I’d find a fix. I said hello and told old Joe my car was needing some attention, she’d blown a Hose- thrown a belt, quick repair my best intention Joe wiped his brow with a greasy towel, wringed his hands as if in sorrow, but I’m Sorry son, the parts won’t come, until after four tomorrow Told me there’s a place to eat across the street, Maggie’s Eatery and Hotel So I took a seat, smelled fresh eats, then rang that dinner bell Bacon, sausage and four eggs- sourdough toast tangy orange marmalade, My spirits were sky high, farmer fresh- just like Mom’s homemade Yes chili size, a big o ’side of fries, calf liver fried up with onions; green beans with Ham, a thick slice of spam- Heard chocolate cake might cure my bunions Large strawberry shake, a mixture of fresh fruits, chicken Chow Mein over egg Noodles, with slivered bamboo shoots- don’t forget a fortune cookie She could tell by my order I was starving, asking a for quite a lot, so I explained in Momentary detail, all about the shiny- polished spot Worn upon my backbone from my stomach rubbing upon it with great fury; no Disrespect, don’t tally up that check, I’m famished but in no great hurry. Maggie laid a check at my plate that fateful date, my excuse was awkwardly hard Dug in my pockets, eyes bulging their sockets: had no cash; no credit card I told her my tale of highway grief, managed out of that tight spot; I gave her my Best smile, I gave the moment my best shot If I may stay I’ll make you a deal, potatoes and onions I will peel, come morning Scrub your pots and pans, smooth as a harbor seal I’ll work hard, you bet, I’ll pay off my debt-if it takes me until late cold November, I don’t even recall she objected at all, just a smile I’ll forever remember Thirty years has passed by, since I capped that meal with sliced apple pie, to live Out my dreams in Burnt Fork endlessly Maggie and I were soon after wed, my dinner check I have twice daily read Probably will till the day I meet my maker But until that day arrives I’m a husband to my wife Maggie’s great surprise- one Heck of a cook and a baker