Before we take an auto ride Pa says to Ma: 'My dear, <br />Now just remember I don't need suggestions from the rear. <br />If you will just sit still back there and hold in check your fright, <br />I'll take you where you want to go and get you back all right. <br />Remember that my hearing's good and also I'm not blind, <br />And I can drive this car without suggestions from behind.' <br /> <br />Ma promises that she'll keep still, then off we gaily start, <br />But soon she notices ahead a pedlar and his cart. <br />'You'd better toot your horn,' says she, 'to let him know we're near; <br />He might turn out!' and Pa replies: 'Just shriek at him, my dear.' <br />And then he adds: 'Some day, some guy will make a lot of dough <br />By putting horns on tonneau seats for womenfolks to blow!' <br /> <br />A little farther on Ma cries: 'He signalled for a turn!' <br />And Pa says: 'Did he?' in a tone that's hot enough to burn. <br />'Oh, there's a boy on roller skates!' cries Ma. 'Now do go slow. <br />I'm sure he doesn't see our car.' And Pa says: 'I dunno, <br />I think I don't need glasses yet, but really it may be <br />That I am blind and cannot see what's right in front of me.' <br /> <br />If Pa should speed the car a bit some rigs to hurry past <br />Ma whispers: 'Do be careful now. You're driving much too fast.' <br />And all the time she's pointing out the dangers of the street <br />And keeps him posted on the roads where trolley cars he'll meet. <br />Last night when we got safely home, Pa sighed and said: 'My dear, <br />I'm sure we've all enjoyed the drive you gave us from the rear!'<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ma-and-the-auto/
