death is a lime green cadillac
with two sleek fins
circa 1959
lots of chrome
humongous tinted windshield
glides above bumps in the road
finds its way
to any destination
the last heart-beat
of every goodby disaster
when automatic windows
open with respectful hum
electric locks
release their pins
and a great side door
swings open
inviting every soul
left abandoned
in
to cruise awhile
sit back and enjoy the pristine clean
finely upholstered seats
listen in on Dave Brubeck
coming through live
on the killer wrap-around stereo
take in the air conditioning
or gentle heat
before they get
whatever’s awaiting
at the end of one
last beautiful ride
***
By NEIL BROSNAN: the ride