Passenger Seat | Teen Ink

Passenger Seat

March 6, 2018
By melnic GOLD, San Diego, California
melnic GOLD, San Diego, California
15 articles 0 photos 0 comments

We’re partners;
We work together to keep this car running.
I’m not quite sure where we’re going
but I’m content just following the road.
My parents taught me how to drive
and you’ve always been sitting next to me
in the passenger seat.
But as the weight of my eyelids blurs my vision,
I pull over and ask you,
Could I sit in the passenger seat just a little while?

 

Would you like to take the wheel?
It’s easy, we’re just cruising.
Just floating along,
you don’t have to put any thought into it.
Take the turns slowly,
It’s fine if we’re late.
Can I sit in the passenger seat just a little while longer?

 

It’s much easier with you driving.
Were the roads always this smooth?
Maybe I just wasn’t very good at it.
But it seems like you know what you’re doing.
Can I sit in the passenger seat just a little while longer?

 

I’ll let you drive the car again.
I can’t control it very well.
I’m worried I’ll break it.
Or hurt someone.
Can I sit in the passenger seat just a little while longer?

 

If you don’t want to turn on the car,
that’s fine.
We can just sit in my driveway.
I had plans today,
But I forgot the directions, so it’s okay.
Can I sit in the passenger sit just a little while longer?

 

Mother scolded me when you hit the rabbit.
If I had seen it I would have grabbed the wheel and swerved out of the way.
But that wouldn’t have been safe,
You’re right,
You know how to keep us safe.
Can I sit in the passenger seat just a little while longer?

 

I fell asleep for half a second.
And found we were speeding down a hill.
I trust you,
It’s all right,
It’s all right,
You have it under control.
I’ll just sit in the passenger seat a little while longer.

 

Hey, do you really know what you’re doing?
I know the speed is thrilling,
But I don’t know if I’m willing
To put the car at risk for that.
Mother will be upset
If we bring it back a shattered wreck.
But I’ll just sit in the passenger seat a little while longer.

 

Let me take the wheel a second.
Don’t worry, I’ll give it back.
Let go for a minute.
Watch your turns!
Watch the speed!
Why won’t you let me drive?
I don’t want
To sit in the passenger seat any longer.

 

No,
You’re right.
I can’t control the car as well as you can.
As we barrel down highway,
The lights of the oncoming traffic blinding,
I say to you
I’ll just sit in the passenger seat a little while longer.



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