An Annual Headache

An Annual Headache

September is the month my car

has its state safety check.

It's twenty years old,

will it pass? I worry.

If it doesn't pass what should I do?

If it's a cheap repair, OK, but if it's

costly, should I bother? It's not cheap

keeping a car. There's annual excise tax,

registration fee, inspection fee, insurance,

maintenance and fuel.

Without a car I can get to places

by the Senior Center van or by taxis.

But there's freedom and convenience

of knowing when I hanker for a chocolate

doughnut and coffee at Dunkin' Donuts,

I can easily have them.

At the garage, with a smile

I ask the mechanic to do

the required inspection and to

change the oil. I sit in the lobby

watching the work being done

on the closed circuit T V.

The mechanic in due time come

to tell me – everything's done,

all is a fine!

The car is legal for another year,

I'm content.