yesterday i got a blow out
going 80 mph
after the car quit swerving
i pulled onto the shoulder
the rubber was shredded
the lugs nuts were stuck
big rigs thundered by
as i crouched struggling
w/the tire iron
i got the tire off
the old compact car shifting
on the rusty jack
& finally tightened the 'donut'
the tiny spare that comes
w/the car
it warns not to go over
30 mph w/it on
i got back in
& punched the gas
& hit 70
then i noticed in the rearview
that a hearse, of all things
was behind me
its headlights shining on a sunny
warm day in mid-october
not a funeral procession
just a death car following
but i felt no alarm
b/c that shit is always tailing you
whether you spot it or not
so i sped up
laughing at this
cosmic coincidence
75 mph
80 mph
etc...
the needle pinned
finally
while balanced upon
three bald tires
& one sketchy spare