Check Engine

He had an old car
He depended on.
He kept it serviced.

Sometimes it scared him.
The oil would be low.
The tires would get bald.

The check engine light
Would ruin his day.
Every service trip

Was a nerve-wracking
Pause spent in suspense.
What needed fixing?

Could he afford it?
Could he ever buy
A new car again?

It’s not important.
You don’t need to know.
It wasn’t your car.

The outcome won’t change
One fear in your life.
What’s that yellow light?