The Old Jalopys Miraculous Drive

I remember that ‘69’ Chevrolet dark green and with the spit of a combat soldier; a mean green, power machine. My Great Uncle bought it new, his pride and joy for years; when he died, it became my Parent’s car. without a single scratch, they drove it a decade or more. It was a survivor, you see, a survivor of the road; of seemingly endless time. With missing knobs, though, the heater and radio still worked their magic on a drive. The driver’s side floorboard, was rusted through and straddling it, leant an air of danger and excitement, as it rolled and groaned out it’s arthritic rhythms. It rambled along nonetheless, a chariot for my younger sister’s transport; it carried her to her classes, her first jobs; that ever-expanding, floorboard rust hole continued to grow. I supposed nowadays, you’d be fined heavily for risking such a hazard. back then, in my family, a car was not a want, it was a need and so, it was heavily utilized. When I think back about the longevity of my parent’s automobiles, it’s the one that stands out the most, now resting in Chevy Heaven and I know of no human with such tenacity.
7-9-19 The Old Jalopy Poetry Contest craig cornish
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Proxenos Avatar
July 11, 2019 at 2:41 PM
You describe this Chevy resting in Chevy heaven so vividly and I love how many people it served and how loyal and hardy and tenacious it was - I love this poem MLK - hugs and blessings. Jennifer.
Kiser Avatar
July 12, 2019 at 4:46 AM
Many thanks.
Sands Avatar
July 10, 2019 at 6:07 PM
Great poem M.L. ! Such history in this car. Good luck in the contest :)
Kiser Avatar
July 12, 2019 at 4:46 AM
Thank you.
Lamoureux Avatar
July 10, 2019 at 3:52 PM
Terrific, this brought a smile. I would judge this a top winner!
Kiser Avatar
July 12, 2019 at 4:46 AM
Wow, thanks so much.
Dietrich Avatar
July 10, 2019 at 3:30 PM
wow, you did so well with this topic. I can't imagine being able to write about something I know so little about. A winner , for sure.
Kiser Avatar
July 12, 2019 at 4:46 AM
Thank you.
Adams Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 7:39 PM
What an awesome poem, one could see the car through your vivid description! I had a few cars that fit the condition that i wish i still had today....cars were built much better back then~ nicely penned! :) hugs
Kiser Avatar
July 10, 2019 at 1:47 PM
Yes, now everything's plastic, silicon and copper.
Wolf Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 4:07 PM
Ah, what great memories of that Chevy, now in 'Chevy Heaven!' ---What a great phrase that is!... Takes me back to the 1964 Pontiac 'Bagel' -- 'cos it looked like one! -- I bought for $50 from Grossinger's Auto on the North Side of Chicago. The thing ran for three years too. Those were the days. :) gw
Kiser Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 6:11 PM
They don't make'em like that anymore, Gershon. My sister's corolla's door handle (inside), literally tore over the weekend like a piece of paper would tear; it had cracked inside; all plastic. When she pulled to open, the thing ripped away from the door. I will never forget those old "tanks" that went on forever. I had a friend who restored an 56 and 57 Chevy; they were magic.
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