a Challenger dies
on the side of the highway
there's a hole
where the gas cap
used to be,
mechanics insist
at the root of problem
is a hairline crack not easily detectable
by the untrained eye
the loose threading a sure indicator
of poor design
the makers on the other hand
allude to the possibility that
the flaw may be more human,
thinking that the disposition
could've easily occured while
topping-off the wiper fluid and keeping
the coolant in check
on the cold and narrow shoulder
there's no room to test the morbid logic
of pseudointellects or scholarly design
the process of engaging is a loose
foot-stomp countered by a feely grope
for anything with teeth and as long as
the engine turns over and the sock
doesn't fall out
theory atomized
in the first jolt of smoke