The ignition gives a dry metallic click

The ignition gives a dry, metallic click.

It’s eight-fifteen and the milk is gone.

I pop the hood and find the source—

a growth of white, crusty salt

blooming on the red wire

like a fungus eating the power.

I touch the lead to see if it’s tight.

The powder comes off on my thumb,

a chemical green that won't wipe off

on the thigh of my jeans.

Just a slow, quiet rot

keeping the engine from turning.