Swift Kick

SAMSUNG CSC

Off side of road
Tire was flat
Lifted load
With my crank jack

Lugs won’t turn
Stubborn, rusty
Old hands burn
Road wind dusty

Stringy beard
Banded straw hat
He looked weird
Defeated, I sat

Can I help
Fix that flat?
“Yes,” I yelp
He’s up to bat

Kicks the wrench
Hear lugs squeal
They moved a pinch
Off pops the wheel.

Thanks to him
I drive home
Ben, Josh, Jim
A hero unknown

-JOE COBB CRAWFORD
From: SIT A SPELL: An Anthology