Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CRUSHED FENDER, by ROSA ZAGNONI MARINONI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CRUSHED FENDER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It happened in milan one summer night
Last Line: My face averted to conceal my shame.
Subject(s): Automobile Accidents; Religion; Theology


It happened in Milan one summer night,
While we were driving down a narrow street.
A fender crashed -- the brakes froze to a stop
Beneath the pressure of the driver's feet.
I hurled my ire against the guilty one:
"You should be taught to signal as you turn!
At least put out your arm!" I cried at him.
"You could have caused our car to overturn!"
At first the man was silent, then he spoke:
"Sorry." he said, "to cause you such alarm.
You did not see it, for the night is dark,
But as I turned, I did but out my arm.
Please take my license number and my name --
I hope you will forgive and understand.
I was a soldier once somewhere in France ...
My left arm is a stub. I have no hand."

I could not speak. The words choked in my throat.
I did not take his number, nor his name --
I turned the car against the dull-black night,
My face averted to conceal my shame.





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