I don’t like
driving
at sixteen I said I’ll wait
at eighteen I bought a vw
stick
which I didn’t know how to drive
owner went half way round the block
said let me out
good luck and patted his wallet
got it home somehow blew the trany
in six months
loved that car spelled freedom
wore out a Jackson brown eight track
wrecked it twice while I had it
since
long succession of vehicles
camero ttop, two jeeps, bmw, corvette, Honda, mg
and one special Toyota corolla which had no reverse
for nigh on 2 years, learned how to park where I could always go forward
learned how to push that baby out of tight spots
now
a gallante sporty little thing
and my baby is learning the rules of the road
in that
the thing is
I don’t like driving
not comfortable with it
hate stupid get out of my way where did you get your license
drivers
and I’m not a good teacher
don’t
keep hands at 10 and 1
don’t
keep it right at posted speed limit
I tend to lurch on the accelerator
passengers wonder if I’m out of gas
I do pay attention
I am cautious defensive/aggressive
but
I
just
don’t
like it
and
I think I’m ruining her chances at enjoying it
passing on
my
nervousness
see to me
getting behind the wheel is akin
to picking up a loaded gun
you damn well better know how to use it
and you damn well better know
what the fuck it can do
if I look to the right three times at an
intersection
it’s not enough
I trust no one
green light means watch for idiots
red light means look in the rearview at the fool behind
I hate the rain
forget the snow
fog
is enemy number one
my arms are sore after a long trip
and seventy-five is way too fast on hi-5
but you do it or die that’s life
doesn’t mean I like it
never will
but I gotta learn
to be cool with her
already I see her sitting up straight at the wheel
wanting me to approve
wanting me to say good job
when all I can think is
be ready be ready pay attention control this machine
I know it really is just a step up from
pushing her down the street on her bike
damn at least then she wore a helmet
but my gut wrenches
at watching her drive off
in a ton of metal
with certified morons on the same blacktop
so
I’m an idiot
unfit mom
can’t let my baby go
at least not down this road
I don’t like
driving
and it’s breaking my heart
that my kid
wants the wheel
I
just
don’t
like it