Finally got off my ass 

To do a job

That I would rather let slide.

It was needed

More than I thought possible

Because I was tired 

Of feeling so dirty–

In all ways.

I drove to the place

That could make me clean,

Frustrated with those

That had the same idea.

I battled the machine

That didn’t want my money

And a line formed behind me…

Making my

Nervousness flair

And cause me to be

Even more awkward and

Spastic–something I could live

Without my son being

Witness to.

I snapped at the helper

And inched through the gate

To face my scary task.

Could I get my tire

To line up correctly

Or would it be the day

I flaunted my ineptitude

And break the machine?

Nerves exploded

Within my skin 

As I passed the task.

Neutral in all ways

I allowed myself to be led

Through the cacophony

Of sounds

Attacking us from all sides.

The experience lasting

Less than two minutes

But a nuisance

That could no longer

Be postponed.

Pounding in my ears

And before my eyes

Squelching and wetness

All around.

A groan and a moan

Causing the water

To move sideways

Across the glass.

I met the end and 

Saw the light,

Neutral no more.

Green never felt

So freeing.

It was done.

The wind would

Do the rest 

And I would shine

A little brighter

Until the feathered fiend

Bestowed us with a most

Dirty deed.

Of course.

How else should it end?

© DRB 2024

Photo by Pavol Duracka on Unsplash