two chances to prove
that i deserve to be here
fall, winter, fierce fear

two chances plagued twice
year before? a standard test
today? dead Internet

set up my failure
as Google Classroom crashes
tearing me to bytes

i wish she loved them
as fully as i love them
instead? i strike out

after school, i walk
to get six-day car hostage
and then i see them:

top down, sun shining
classic MG sports car grins
this October day

yes, my mechanics
can charge whatever they want
cruise streets in fixed cars

we’ll be right over
hood open, my car broken
and i’m the failure?

daughter calls: tire flat.
sun, why dost thou forsake me
shining so damn bright?

my car stays hostage
we’ll walk into tomorrow
blindsided by fall

(i’ll dream of driving
of summers off, beach tours
of all that bytes me)