Work, as an Ethic
It was 1973.
My car would be in the want ads in two days.
Big problem.
Like throwing a switch, the transmission was shot.
You said, “Well, it’s not going to fix itself.”
Off to the junkyard, for a used transmission.
Right across the street, a transmission jack at a tool rental.
Four hours and $75 later, drove like a charm.
Two days later, sold for $200.
You said, “Better than $25 for scrap, right?”
Blue collar child of the Depression.
Working full-time from the age of thirteen.
Little sense in living beyond your means.
If wanting more meant working for it, then so be it.
You taught me that, and so much more.
The optional prompt at NaPoWriMo 2017 for Day 10 of National Poetry Writing Month/Global Poetry Writing Month is to write a poem that is a portrait of someone important to you.
Image source: thetruthaboutcars.com (edited, here)
rivrvlogr 
Shines a spotlight.
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He so deserved it.
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it’s all so familiar – nicely done
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Thank you, Paul.
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An ethic I admire. And a poem, too!
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Thank you, Bob.
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What a beautiful tribute. Those lessons stay with us. (K)
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Thank you. Yes, they do.
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Does that ever bring back memories! Well done!
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🙂 Thank you.
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A lesson taught and a lasting memory. Good job with the portrait poem.
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Thank you, Merril.
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Enjoyed this very much
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Thank you.
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You are very welcome it is my pleasure to read you
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Gritty and lovely!
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A seeming dichotomy, right? Yet it took hindsight for me to be able to understand that he could be both.
And, thank you.
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I think the best writing has that gritty counterpoint. I loved the simplicity of this piece – and yet it shouted!
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