The Stoplight
By larry r Linville

When I approach an intersection
it never seems to be much fun
not knowing when it turns to yellow
and making me through the red to run.

Should I rush to beat the yellow
or slow down to play it cool
and risk that the guy behind me
will think I’m some kind of fool?

If I slam on my brakes to stop
that might not be so kind
and result in a bent bumper
from the guy too close behind.

If I drive safely as I should
as carefully as I can
some young whippersnapper
may yell, “Park it, old man!”

And if I push the limits
going through as it turns red
some nice lady may stare at me
while she wishes I was dead.