I read an exposé in Life,
but until I saw one painted five doors down
half flag, half minuteman,
I didn’t believe it
even possible.
How the operating nut
capped Yankee Doodle’s red feather.
The stumped, extended arms
of outlet nozzles.
One safety chain linked
to tiny painted watch.
Metal body the blue/white tunic
of a Continental soldier
unflinching as strays
pissed the shine from his boots.
Rusty Truck 