let me think about it

the used car
is very used. the tires
bald
and rotting.
the dashboard
ripped.

she's got a few miles on
her
the salesman says,
but she'll get you where
you need to go.
she was beauty in her day.
he takes out
a picture
to show me when the car
was new and in
the show room.

but she cleans up nicely.
i'll have jimmy wash her for
you and put on a clear coat
of wax.

I start her up. it's cold
out and she won't turn over.

we jump the battery and I hear
the muffler rattle.

the pistons ping.

the growl of exhaust.
how much.
I ask.

i'll knock off a hundred if
you make the deal today,
he says

he takes the picture out of his
wallet and shows me the car
again.

she's all yours buddy. sign here.

let me think about it.