My Dad Taught Me To Drive Stick Shift

My Dad taught me to drive stick
On warm Sunday mornings while Chicago slept
Before the church people left and returned
On a freeway still under construction
Past yellow barricades and
Caution signs
Recklessly cautious
Without benefit of power steering
And power brakes
We flew past run down homes
And new skyscrapers
We owned the road
The lesson was simple
Real drivers drive shift
They control the car
Balance clutch and gas
Life requires our attention
It demands our patience
We advance slowly and carefully
Real drivers drive shift
And so we traveled
Across a city still lazily stretching
Not quite awake
Down a freeway under construction
On side streets and in parking lots
We owned the city
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Agustin Avatar
April 14, 2023 at 8:45 PM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts about how your Dad taught you to drive through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God bless you.
Parker Avatar
April 14, 2023 at 8:27 PM
A memory to always hold on too. At least you can carry the memory over with you once you ?, I mean we are to make immortal memories. Great write.
Chamberlain Avatar
March 19, 2021 at 1:28 PM
Brilliant! I grew up not knowing my Dad. What a great memory and tribute to yours. :-)
Romios Avatar
September 25, 2020 at 7:48 PM
Hi and welcome, I am an ex Chicagoan and now live on the West Coast. Stick shift...uh huh.)) This is a very fine poem and well done. May you find some really good friends here. It's like a test drive. Not all are true or stand by. Just keep writing. Don't get hung up on comnents. Be you above all else,,that way you will own the road here. Honk Honk! Pangie xx
Wallace Avatar
November 12, 2020 at 1:53 PM
Thank you This poem describes my experience learning to drive on the Dan Ryan expressway. I appreciate your comments
A  Avatar
June 8, 2016 at 1:38 AM
hope to see a new one from you again, Marie.. sk
Wallace Avatar
November 12, 2020 at 1:54 PM
Thank you. I just posted Oklahoma, a poem that I wrote after Tim McVeigh bombed the Oklahoma city federal building
Dalei Avatar
May 18, 2016 at 1:12 AM
Marie, Nice and wonderful first entry. Welcome to poetry soup. Hope you will enjoy our community. Wish you a fruitful journey ahead...........//:) hugs
A   Avatar
May 15, 2016 at 1:04 AM
Marie,, Welcome to Poetry soup, I hope you enjoy the community. Here, you will find friendly poets who enjoy supporting one another. I myself, enjoy reading and commenting those who want to be read. The only time I give constructive criticism is when a poet desires it. However, if for some reason the poem is not my field I will guide you to someone who is more qualified than I. Stop by and read one of my poems if you like. My poems are not perfect, but I have a feeling you might like one. I encourage you to check out the contest page and read to receive comments. Tell me a little about your poetic skills if you like. It will be my pleasure to follow and read every poem you post from here on :) We are Lucky To Have you. Your New Poet Friend @-> LINDA <-@
Wallace Avatar
November 12, 2020 at 1:56 PM
I appreciate your feedback. Sorry my response is late. I had been traveling to three cities and working two jobs.
Flower Avatar
May 14, 2016 at 10:19 PM
That's the way to go! Congrats on your first entry and welcome to Poetry Soup, Marie. :)
Wallace Avatar
November 12, 2020 at 1:57 PM
Thank you. I am late answering due to family issues. I appreciate your feedback
A  Avatar
May 14, 2016 at 3:38 PM
Marie,, Welcome to Poetry Soup. It will be a delight to read and become familiar with your poems in the future. As for now, I will greet you with the same smile others passed when I first joined the soup. Wishing you and your poetry the best. I hope you get to meet all the nice poets around here STARTING with me- SKAT :-) Please drop a hello and tell me a little about yourself if you wish. I would like to be your newest poetry soup "FRIEND" Hugs* SKAT
Wallace Avatar
November 12, 2020 at 1:58 PM
Thank you. I am looking forward to reading your poems.
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