The car 'stutters' its response to cold ignition,

hesitant and sleep heavy,

lurching into some sort of limp wakefulness,

but resistant to movement.

The driver mutters obscenities to the dash board,

cold breath full of impatience,

attacking the innocent air with impotent steam,

filling the car with sharp spite.

The passenger prays silently for a miracle,

then quietly speaking, gently coaxing,

well worn words of compliant encouragement to both-

car starts, driver glowers , passenger sighs .