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20.7.17

GOODBYE, OLD FRIEND - a bit of verse for Friday Fictioneers!

GOODBYE, OLD FRIEND

If my toaster breaks down or my kettle explodes
I throw it away – that’s a fact.
Now my car would cost more to repair than it’s worth,
but I’m really reluctant to act.
It’s only a useful machine, after all,
one of a million the same,
but we’ve been through a great deal together
and dumping it seems such a shame.
We’ve moved from one house to another,
been shopping, and visited friends,
it should go with a bang, not a whimper,
yet now our long partnership ends.
Hauled up by a chain to a trailer,
an undignified exit, boot first,
it’s own number hidden by temporary plates –
that final detail is the worst.
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This bit of verse is a fictional account - my own elderly car passed its MOT last month with flying colours - but the spare number-plate on the rear shelf of Kent Bonham's photograph reminded me of what we called 'gruas' in Tenerife (trailers on which garages would collect broken cars) and I had no further inspiration this week. Apologies to our leader Rochelle whose blog is @  https://rochellewisoff.com/  for over-running the word count (117!) but verse is particularly tricky to cut down.
Last week the number of people who were good enough - insterested enough? - to comment on my blog exceeded 20 for the first time in ages, so thanks to all those. Keep it up, folks!




42 comments:

  1. A poetically enhanced old banger! Lovely.

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  2. Poor car, off to the scrapyard. It is silly how attached we can become to them!

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    1. Isn't it just? A totally inanimate object. Well, not exactly inanimate, but definitely mechanical.

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  3. I can personally attest that they are never mere machines. More part of the family. Your mourning is not only accurate, but very familiar to one who has penned the demise of both a car and a moped!

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    1. My first vehicle was a Vespa 90 scooter, which had to go when I got pregnant two years later. CUF141C -where are you now?

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  4. Poetry now! Is there no end to your talents?

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  5. Dear Liz,

    I had a car that had to be towed when we traded it in. I loved that car. Even gave her name--Consuelo. Funny how we can become so attached to a hunk of metal. My current car is Rosie. She hasn't been the most reliable but I still love her. I like my standard transmission and she's one of the few of a dying breed. Sorry didn't mean to rhapsodize, but your story inspired me. Good one.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Thanks Rochelle. As I said in an earlier comment, my Vespa 90 was CUF141C, known as Cufbert, naturally.

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  6. As you can see, Liz, Rochelle said not one word for those extra 17... because this was a fun read.
    The day they towed my car away for junk was a sad one for many reasons!

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    1. The car I drive now was the pride and joy of an elderly chap who had to give up driving. He is so delighted to see it still around.

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  7. A car --- how much simple transportation can have an impact on our lives with al the memories connected to it. Nice writing.

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    1. You are so right - thanks for commenting.

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  8. i can relate. i have one that i find it hard to get rid off for sentimental reasons. maybe next year. :)

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    1. When we left Tenerife we had to sell our little car which we'd had for twelve years. Sob.

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  9. I absolutely love this. Lovely rhythm to the verse.

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    1. That's so kind of you, Clare, thank you!

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  10. I love this. Great writing, fun, and so true. Some cars have personality. One of ours, called Fritzle, was like that. I cried when we had to let him go.

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Ga. RIP Fritzie.

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  11. We do get attached to our cars, don't we? Especially when they have taken us to wonderful places with wonderful people :)

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    1. ... and featured in more than a few photos!

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  12. Lizzy - Such a nice change from a story to a clever poem. Very nice indeed! Nan

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  13. We grow so attached to cars. We name them. We love them but sometimes they are too weak to go on. Nice descriptive tale....
    Isadora 😎

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    1. I lost two cars thanks to my daughter's driving! Now I don't let her know that I could allow her on my insurance :)

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  14. Enjoyed your goodbye sone :)

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  15. A fitting tribute for a beloved old car!

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  16. Lots of fun! And a little bit sad at the end :-(

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    1. Sad, yes, to have its personality obliterated like that. Thanks Alistair.

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  17. I like this. As much time as we sometimes spend in our cars on commutes and travel, it feels more individual than a toaster.

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  18. I've had many toasters over the years, but not one of them has retained a place in my heart!

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  19. Great analogy, wonderfully put. This was a fun read!

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  20. Awww nice one, Liz!

    marion

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