the flare

sometimes it's easier to keep pushing through
to roll up the windows and hit the gas
and maybe your tires are almost bald
needle teetering on the empty line
oil change way past due
and there's a funny sound under the hood
but if you hum just right it blends into the background music.

and then the battery dies
and you're stuck with silence 
and stillness
and it gets a little cold at night
and you rummage in the back for a blanket
and wait for a jump.

but no one's coming
you drove so far and left everyone behind
the flashes through the window were a dizzying display
and now, it's just darkness
and you wonder how things got so worn
and you're tired, oh so tired.

but you remember there's one flare in your trunk
and you wonder if it's worth it
and a tiny voice says yes
and with a deep breath, you add a flame
and suddenly, you're not alone in the cold anymore.

you drive the speed limit now
and you watch out for the check engine light
and look out for stranded vehicles along the way these days
cuz this baby's got some mileage
and it's going the distance.