the new car

at the car dealership
you wait. the sun moves
slowly across the sky.
the salesman needs to talk
to the manager.
they need to drive your
old car around
and then come in and beat
you with a bag of nickels.
they tell you how bad of shape
it is. they tell you
they found a chicken bone
under the front seat.
they offer you coffee
in a small styrofoam cup.
you fill out a stack of forms.
you give them a vial
of blood.
someone comes over
and says open your mouth
and say ahhh.
turn around someone says.
hop on one foot.
recite the alphabet backwards
a voice yells out
from back near the water
cooler.
are you willing today to buy
this new car,
the salesman says.
maybe you say flinching as
he barks at you.
two skinny women wearing
pencil skirts come
over and pull your shoulders
back while pouring a bucket
of water on your face.
when you catch your breath
one of them says. are you ready
to buy today?
you nod as they towel you
down and hand you a pen.
the entire sales staff circles
you. the manger too comes over
and prods you with a pitchfork.
seven hours later.
you have a new car.