it's your life

it's a loud noise,

i tell

the mechanic, like a popping

sound,

but not like

popping popcorn,

or stepping on bubble wrap,

more of a thud

kind of noise. like

a very small thunder

clap coming from under

the hood,

but only when it's cold

out, or the engine

is cold.

he scratches his head

with a ratchet

wrench he's holding in his

greasy hand.

uh uh, he says.

we'll take a look at it.

are you going to wait

or need a shuttle?

i'll wait i tell him.

he shrugs and says, okay.

your life. do what you want.

go over there

and sit down.