I wrote this back in 1993 for a car (Volvo) that I loved after a horrific near fatal accident. I survived unscathed but the car was a write off. The shock kick started my interest in poetry. Some folks could not see the point for writing so much for a piece of metal. As for me, the car symbolised a rare and true partnership where the ultimate price is paid to protect the other...
To my dearest Volvo I say good bye
I am no poet, but will certainly try
Wish you a good journey to the heavens and beyond
Nay, scarp yard according to your pensions bond
On a clear Sunday night as the cold wind blew
Thirty first of January, 9:35 pm to be true
The Hamilton Road junction give way sign I missed
What happened thereafter was no great feast
I confess that it was all my mistake
But please your life I had no intention to take
As I came out you were bleeding petrol lying on your side
Thou were my hero with tons of pride
More faithful to me than many in life before
More courageous than many a friend and foe
You ruined your body to protect that of mine
Isn’t this how ultimate love should sometimes shine?
The sight of your wrecked body makes tears roll down my cheeks
And I curse fate and it’s dirty tricks
How will I ever repay your sacrifice?
What indeed will be the final price?
And as friends and others try to console
Lectures that I don’t want to hear no more
Something whispers in my ear that somehow
‘This won't bring back the Volvo however you try’
Now that you have gone I write these few words
Sipping my coffee as I seem to boast
Like politicians and their cool statements
Over slaughtered men and women and their torments
Heroes they seem as they stride
Just like me they only take you for a ride
As of tomorrow the vultures will be there one by one
Taking you apart my beloved, and forever you’ll be done
Your windscreen and wipers will go for sure
Your instruments panel that I used to so much adore
The good memories I shall always cherish
Even though your body will soon perish
This will be my prayer as you terminate your lease
Forever, my dearest friend, rest in peace!
Khashayar Lessan
Manchester
6 February 1993
You’ve written your first poem very well and that accident has been an interesting, unique excuse for writing :).. is really a touching poem, full of love, lust, passion and memories. I think what you experienced was not just a passing moment -- a flash of thought which might bring a smile to your face even today. Good luck & peace!:)
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Behnoosh and as you rightly pointed, the car may have gone but her legacy remains to this day. I am glad the poem brought a smile to your face :)
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