Drivers Ed
We drive around in these containers
Of snot, blood, and urine
Held up by an internal structure
Similar in most of us
With specialized components within our skin
To make all the rest of it work
At first we mobilize
Go where We direct our brain to take us;
Early on that’s how it is,
Until our Brain begins to believe
That it knows how to drive
And then it jerks away the wheel and says
I remember how THAT feels
I bet she’s going to do THIS
I know what to do NEXT
Until one day
After the millionth wreck
And the original Us
Is finally able to
Stop the panting
Maybe sobbing
Brain
And direct its attention
Past the rear window
To the wreckage caused,
Not by others
As the Brain would usually suggest
But instead by the brain “knowing” things
In that moment of
Rare
Stillness
When the Brain pulls over, panting
Maybe sobbing
And sees for the First Time
That it knows Nothing
That it is just a part of the vehicle
Not the skilled driver
That it thought it was-
That’s when the original Us
Can gently suggest
That it instruct
The brain about driving
As was Originally Intended
For the safety of vehicle
And the other drivers on the road.
The steering wheel on my car
Is lined with calf leather and is
Stitched expertly.
It is beautiful to look at.
It has all the makings of comfort.
It is fine to the touch.
But…
It has indents from my fingers in its soft leather-
Indents that stay when my hands are not there.
And it has salt stains from my tears…
--Eric Marley
January 2011
