AWAKENING

The human body and the car
Are built to last and travel far;
But, when the mileage gets so high,
Both man and chassis heave a sigh,
For they have read the printed text
And know that something happens next.
The radiator springs a leak,
The batteries are old and weak,
Perhaps the starter doesn't work,
Or the transmission starts to jerk;
But not to worry or despair,
A body shop called Medicare
Awaits to welcome rusted wrecks
With worn joints and nagging necks.
Oh, Medicare will do its best
Will pay for every kind of test;
Will tune and tinker till it starts---
It even has replacement parts.
Yet there will come that fateful day,
When, like the Deacons One-Hoss Shay,
Appears a hill that's just too steep,
And all collapses in a heap.
The owner knows--he knows it then
Its time to trade the old bus in!

-- Helen J. Ewoldsen -- 3-4-05