The engine gave a violent cough

The engine gave a violent cough

then finally just shut itself off.

A sweet, thick smell of burnt-out green

floats up from under the hood machine.

I'm pulled to the shoulder, watching the rush

of people in lanes that I used to brush.

Their faces are blurs, a frantic, fast stream,

while I'm stalled out in a static dream.

In the footwell, a grease-stained burger bag

catches the light of the hazard flag.

Orange and rhythmic, a pulse on the floor,

as I wait for a tow to open the door.