Lear jets with mirrors for rear-view,

Is not something we’d expect to see,

Nor flying, wheels down, thank you,

A common practice likely to be.   

For autos it’s virtually the same,

Appendages are an inefficient drag,

Aerodynamics is name of the game,

To avoid back pressure and wind snag, 

But rear-view mirrors are still here,

Though new technology exists,

That would allow views to the rear

Without appendage that wind resists.   

You can get your new vehicle

With backup camera built-in,

So you see kid on a tricycle,

That behind you sneaked in.

You can also get this new tech

As add-on remote camera/display,

So, I have to ask, what the heck

Is holding up throwing mirrors away?

A camera mounted on each front fender,

Looking back, transmitting to the dash,

Traditional blind spots would moot render,

While keeping smooth contour and flash.

This move to aerodynamic air flow

Would save fuel over current design.

Would defeat another gas mileage foe,

 To ease our pain, yours and mine.

Further, 270 degrees, dash could show,

And adjustment knob for back viewer

Could point far left and far right, to easily go

From tight parking slot — safe rear exit.  

I suspect this tech is already on the way,

But if not, culprit is likely “safety rule.”

Yet, over stubborn rules we have a say,

So, it’s time to act really, really cool.

© 2009 R. Leland Waldrip