Shoulder Work

The manifold is ticking down

a rhythmic, cooling metal heat.

I’m three miles out from the edge of town

and the center of the street.

The engine gave a wet, thick cough

and then the dash went black.

I watched the lights go flickering off

with no way to get them back.

Forty minutes for the crane

to pull me from this ditch.

I sit here in the quiet rain

and wonder which is which.