58 Thunderbird rusting in the yard
Grass tall around wide white wall wheels
Front dentures missing
Blind in both dark sunken eyes
Skin fading in the scorching sunlight
One time a masterpiece of its creator
Now wasting away neglected and still
Oh the stories it could tell
300 hp 352 cc engine glass-pack mufflers
Four barrel carburetor drinking gas like a fish
Lovers in bucket seats riding into the sunset
Duel exhausts Chrome Grille Duel headlights
Pulling up to the light looking next door
Challenging them with engine roar and squealing tires
Black marks on pavement ten feet long
Leaving challengers in the dust
This phoenix could rise from the rust
A master’s hands could bring it back
But for now it sits alone and neglected
Destiny yet undetermined
Photos: Dwight L. Roth
Today is open link night at d’Verse Poets Pub. This old Thunderbird has fascinated me for several years. When I drive by, I see it sitting in its owner’s yard rusting away. Today I stopped and took some photos. I wish someone would take it and restore it to its former glory.
join us at: https://dversepoets.com
Oh that poor car. Lovely poem.
LikeLike
Thank you! Yes, it is rather sad to see it like this.
LikeLike
‘Front dentures missing’. That is a cool line Dwight! A car with a face. And a romantic view! I hope some day it will rise from the rust. (Another great line)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Peter! It conjures up all kinds of imagination!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
THey don’t make them like they use too. I miss the hot rods and muscle cars. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are a couple still being made, but they just don’t match the vintage Thunderbirds!
LikeLike
A classic car that apparently is waiting for resurrection, from the automotive messiah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! Might be awhile in coming!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
That old rusting beauty sure evokes a past, a present, and a hopeful future. Good resuscitation with words, Dwight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
To bad words can’t bring it back to life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Thunderbirds, too bad this one has been left like that! Good post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! It makes me sad to see it just sitting there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
An abandoned car still goes pretty far in the pierced imagination. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Still purrs like a kitten!
LikeLike
LOVING the first section’s personification…especially the line about the dentures!!! And oh my yes…..the memories it could share if it could talk. Perhaps more fun to imagine them though???
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lillian! Lots of good memories in our growing up years!
LikeLike
I do love your turn of phrase, especially the phoenix rising from the rust! I love old cars and this took me to a happy place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great metaphor for old age. You did mean it that way, right? And, as one of your commenters said, the personification is fun. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It could easily be applied to our aging process! Thank you for your comment!
LikeLike
Oh, I can feel your heart go out to the history of that neglected classic car. We have just been to our local town’s classic car show; lots of old citroens and a really classic Cadillac in Spain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is sad! Sounds like a fun day for you at the show. Thanks for your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like the Beach Boys songs my girls love to sing. They don’t make cars like they used to. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, a great one indeed. Everything is plastic and air bags. Made to crunch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Dwight — Hi poet!. Wanted to let you know I am “temporarily” sightless in my right eye from a retinal disease. It is a struggle fir me to write, but I will still wrote my pieces, going very slowly. Reading at any length is extremely difficult, and causes painful headache — so wanted to say thanks for contributing to OLN. But I won’t be able to read what you wrote, yet I wanted to visit. I spent a little time writing this best I could with one eye, i copied it, and I am pasting it in here to say hi. Got an operation coming up in about a week when the infection is down. Hopefully things will get back to normal.thanks, Rob
LikeLike
Wow! Rob! That sounds very serious. I appreciate your taking time to write and share this event in your life with us. Take care and let us know how the surgery goes when you can. Wishing you all the best in your upcoming surgery. My thoughts and prayres are with you.
Dwight
LikeLike