And the Gold Goes To

( off the cuff )

my silver Citroen
my Picasso off the open road
how well you have served by miles
it’s almost twenty years since
we were first introduced
when i glanced your way
on the forecourt standing

how you enticed me to take a ride
sleek and gleaming
polished to perfection
you have been a constant
in my thankful life
taking me from a to b
In times of happiness and joy
in times of sadness and misery

you have been a comfort
and a friend
you have cushioned me
while i cried
been silent while i cursed
and never chastised me
when i sang too loud and off key

your roomy boot never groaned
as I stuffed you full of bagged shopping
and neither did I hear you moan
when I bought the garden
centre back home
compost spilling
plants stretching your patience
it’s time to say farewell
and i do so with a heartfelt sigh
and a tear in both of my grey eyes

Reviews

[Neville]

I felt much the same way when I was forced to get shot of my roller skates .. all joking aside, I can relate, I was devastated when I had to part with my Alfa .. she wasn't old by any means but my significant other was either jealous or couldn't handle the acceleration around corners .. it must have been one of the two .. 🚗💜

[John Sullivan]

I have a love/hate relationship with driving. I don't, currently, my life circumstances at the moment don't require me to... but my first real car was a wonderful thing, a big blue Oldsmobile, an American manufacturer. Turned like a whale but had a little pick-me-up on the straightaways... ahhhh, to be young with the windows open and the music loud. A good car is a fine thing, and a shame to see them go. Nicely written, Chris.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

When I was younger, John, that is all we had. We had a 57 two-tone black and white, then a 64 a 66 and a 69....my dad loved them.

[John Sullivan]

Mine was an early 90's Cutlass with the 6 cylinder engine... used to scrub the whitewalls on the tires with Brillo pads, keep 'em clean and fresh. A good car, sorely missed.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Ode to the family automobile. I like it. I enjoyed the read. F.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Fabian. My silver Citroen has been an amazing car. It’s going to be a wrench. Hope you and yours are keeping well. All the best.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

I really liked this one, Chris. Personification of your car. They are such a big part of our lives. I am sure your car will have a tear in its headlights as you trade it in! Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Lydi**, it’s going to be a wrench. What an amazing car, served me so well. Thank you so much for stopping by. Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[Desert Knave]

Wow. I have not had a car I loved like that in years, and I can recall how broken up I was when it finally couldn't go it anymore. Enjoyable write for sure. ~Jim

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jim. Strange how we can become so attached to our wheels. This car served me well. I appreciate your visit stopping by.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

They do last forever...we wish our relationships could do that...but sometimes those are lemons and go more than sour after a time. And as someone who has had his last three rides for 19, 14 and now 16 years, I understand the attachment strong enough to write a poem about it.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Cars dear J can last much longer than relationships. They don’t answer back. My silver Citroen will last for alot longer, both in my memory and because I have poemed her. Thank you so much for your words.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I never dated a car, but maybe I should try it.

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha :) ….

[John the Baptist]

Yes, our vehicles can assume the stature of family members. I just sold my old Toyota SUV to a friend with full confidence it would serve her as well as it did me for 13 years.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello John. So my poem is relatable to you. Sounds like your old Toyota served you well. Strange how we can get attached to our transport. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Rosie E C…]

Oh, Wow.

I felt the very same when I had to give up my first Italian Fiat Panda.
Cute little things. Cheap to run.

Even though they are just things, they do hold value through memories and ownership.
I admire your creative thinking throughout this piece.

A relatable and open-minded read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Rosie for stopping by. My silver Citroen has been an amazing car. Will be a wrench. Pleased you found this poem relatable. All the best.

Chris

[Vol]

So many cars I have loved! So many memories... My '63 Corvair convertible flying upside down as the six of us tumbled out and into the sands of Pensacola Beach. No serious injuries, just the first of many adventures. Still miss that maroon thing... "unsafe at any speed."
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

We all have our favourite cars Vol. Pleased to hear about your corvair convertible. Clearly brings some happy memories back. Thanks for stopping by to read this tribute to my amazing silver Citroen. What a car.

Chris

[Vol]

Citroens are ANMAZING! My next car was a '63 Austin Healey Sprite...amazing...

[Samuel Dickens]

These words speak to my car-loving heart with meaning and clarity. They really are an important part of our lives, aren't they?Some always want a new car, even though their old one is running fine-a habit I outgrew many years ago. May your next auto be as good and faithful as that citroen!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sam. Strange how we can become so attached to our cars. I hope my next one will be as reliable. I appreciate your visit. Will call on you later today. All good wishes.

Chris