Fords and Chevrolets

often

friendships revolved around

a car

needing jumper

cables,

or being out of gas,

or a tire

gone flat.

you met and helped each

other out.

friends

were made this way.

hands were shook

in the rain,

in deep

snow

as you helped someone

attach to their

tires,

snow chains.

together you lifted the hoods

of cars,

and leaned into

the dark abyss

of a motor that wouldn't start

and adjusted

points,

or tightened

wires and belts.

you poured fluids

into spouts.

but then everyone bought

Hondas

and Toyotas

and it all ended.