Windshield

With a resounding, startling thud
a culprit rock had slipped
under the radar, chipping it’s mark
into her once perfect windshield.
Far below her line of vision
a single tear-drop stained the glass.

Just a small bubble, barely noticeable,
it was almost easy to believe
this tiny blemish was but an infraction,
a mere menace, incapable of any real damage,
undeserving of immediate attention,
regardless if it was clearly required.

Marred and meek, the chip’s presence
tried to warn her, gently whispering
of preventive measures and chances for repair,
but, soon the constancy of it transposed reminders
into nagging, rendering it barely audible,
practically invisible, easily ignored.

Until one bitter, cold morning when
there was no longer any way to deny,
prevent, or undo the damage done.
No way to miss the thick cracks now branching
out from the single crystal tear-drop
forming two, long, jagged, icy lines.

One arched up and to the left, clear off
the edge of her windshield.
The other lunged abruptly to the right
leading directly to the scribbled note
tucked under the wiper blade
which simply said, “good-bye”.

~ smj

“Yes, its time to make the change
Yes, its time to rearrange
So my friend, I join the fight for the things
You know are right
Oh, you got to leave this town before its
Too late, too late, too late”

– Too Late, Journey

Tags: cold, damaged, glass, ice, love lost, poetry, regrets, relationship, windsheild