Grinding Start

I turned the key,
pressed the gas pedal.
The motor belched
the starter grated.

“No. Not today!
I can’t be late.
I’m teaching the class.
I have to be there!”

Our three-year-old
piped up from the back seat,

“Try it again, Mom.”

The motor coughed, caught,
settled to a steady purr.
My little two-cylinder Fiat,
slow, but steady as she goes,
took me everywhere.

Again, from the back seat,

“I knew it would start, Mom.
I prayed.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Callus Avatar
January 12, 2015 at 11:10 AM
Your 3 year old is a firm believer in prayers, Cona! Children's innocence can work wonders! Enjoyed your pleasant poem. // paul
Adams Avatar
January 12, 2015 at 1:10 PM
Thank you, Paul. Yes, sometimes they teach us. Thanks for the visit. All the best to you.
Andresen Avatar
January 9, 2015 at 2:56 PM
- .... No new car from Santa Claus :))) - Enjoy reading, from the child's mouth! - I wish you a lovely weekend,Cona - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Adams Avatar
January 9, 2015 at 3:08 PM
Thank you, Anne Lise, for visiting, and leaving good wishes. May you have a brilliant weekend as well. : - )
Yates Avatar
January 8, 2015 at 2:32 PM
Sometimes just the simpless this are the best. My father was a big Rawhide fan. My real name is Rowdy Yates. But enjoyed the read.
Adams Avatar
January 9, 2015 at 6:47 AM
Oh, that's cool. Your father is responsible. He took advantage of his last name to give you a famous character's name. I think I would have liked knowing your father.
Nehls Avatar
January 7, 2015 at 10:59 AM
Hi, Cona. So many wonderful lessons can be learned from children. They can certainly lead us to God's heart. Very nice poem, my friend..... Robert.
Adams Avatar
January 7, 2015 at 2:11 PM
Yes, they can. Sometimes, they set the example for us worry wart adults. Thanks for the visit.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 5, 2015 at 7:33 PM
Today I was stuck in the snow and my friend suggested a prayer. Inside my mind I thought it was silly but before I knew it we were on our way. Me of little faith!
Adams Avatar
January 6, 2015 at 8:18 AM
Would that we adults, in every situation, possess the faith of a child. Thanks for reading, Richard.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace