Signs

By A.J. Llewellyn

Signs.
Have you ever ignored 'em?
I don't know what it is about us men but we and I know I am guilty of it particularly, but we like to ignore 'em.
I was once driving up to Haleakala volcano with a friend and the sign ahead, painted in yellow on an old piece of bark read Danger: Turn Back.
I was pissed. It's a long way up to the top of a volcano and I was not going to turn around. I got out, moved the sign a little to the left, drove around it and almost went straight over the cliff.
Ooops. I didn't realize that a fissure in the road erupted and 90% of it gave way.
My friend has not stopped talking about it.
A few months ago my engine light went on and I ignored it. I figured, I have time. I'll get it fixed when I have extra money. Well my car has been driving great and each day I ignore the SERVICE ENGINE SOON light.
My brother however, who is visiting me, freaked when he saw me merrily driving along with that warning.
"Don't look at it," I said. "I don't."
Last night, my car gave up giving me signs. It seized up completely and I believe my mechanic is probably going to tell me it's done. Had it. I looked at it this morning and it's a nice car. It's been great. This is like a divorce. Or is it a death?
I'm not ready to say goodbye. Parting is not sweet sorry. Parting is my own damned fault. Just like a relationship that needs attention, I let my old sweetheart go. I should have seen the signs. Now, I'm shopping for a new car. And paying closer attention to signs. Any signs.

Aloha oe,

A.J.