Having Forgotten to Bring a Book, She Reads the Car Manual Aloud

Having Forgotten to Bring a Book,
She Reads the Car Manual Aloud
by Naomi Shihab Nye

Do not sit on the edge of the open moonroof.
Do not operate the moonroof if falling snow
has caused it to freeze shut.
(I thought it was a sunroof, actually.)
Do not place coins into the accessory socket.

The cup holder should not be used while driving.
Well, when then?
While parked at home?
Perhaps, at midnight, with insomnia?
Hi, Mom, I think I'll just go have a glass of milk
in the driveway.

If you need to dispose of the air bag
or scrap the vehicle...
Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage area.
Do not operate the defogger longer than necessary.
Please remove necktie or scarf while working on
engine.
Never jack up the vehicle more than necessary.

A running engine can be dangerous.


From A Maze Me: Poems for Girls by Naomi Shihab Nye
Greenwillow Books, 2005


It's a great book if you need a gift for a young girl. My daughter didn't think so, but it is. I have an extra copy if anyone's interested.

Peace, Love & Coffee.... Randy