Cold Start

Cold starting the car on a crisp autumn morning
my Dad wasn't the happiest bloke,
put antifreeze in it, ran the engine, ten minutes
and then he could pull out the choke.
On his pale blue Austin the locks needed defrosting,
condensation to clear from inside,
warm water down the screen and then give it a clean
after that, it was ready to ride.
In my sixty second year, like that old car, I fear
(and it crept up on me without knowing),
I now have developed a cold start routine
since otherwise I can't get going.
Wipe the sleep from my eyes,
stretch my arms to the sides,
move my head in a figure of eight,
a good cough to feel better
clears my carburettor,
then a yawn, and a two minute wait.
I get out of bed but my exhaust backfires,
I wasn't quite expecting that,
with a moan the good lady hides under the sheets
and I'm left with a disgusted cat.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Inman Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 7:08 PM
Where to start, I think I could add a few stanzas to your poem Viv, although I'm sure they would not be as clever as yours. Just had a birthday. I was figuring my age in my head and when I finished the only number I came up with is "Old".
Kendrick Avatar
November 7, 2021 at 3:55 AM
Growing old is not for sissies. It is not easy with some having more problems than others. I thank God that He has let me live this long and that my health is not as bad as it could be. I enjoyed reading your well thought out work. Sara
Lawless Avatar
November 4, 2021 at 7:03 AM
Just keep movin' on down the road Viv but beware of the flatulence police.
Cunningham Avatar
November 3, 2021 at 1:10 AM
Lol, time to trade yourself in for a newer model Viv, hope alls well. Tom
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