Behind the Wheel

I've always held a mild contempt,

for folks who say,

"when you grow up,
you'll no longer care,

for what others think of you."

It's ignorant in two respects.

Firstly,
I have grown up.

Secondly,
I grew up precisely because I knew,

that there were people,

who's thoughts of me,

could have prevented me,

from ever growing up.

Growing up care-free is a luxury,

a privilege.

Just because your streets,

are calm and empty,

don't tell me to walk blindfolded,

over the tumultuous highways,

that you don't even know exist.

Don't pretend that cars,

don't exist,

because the headlights,

aren't facing in your direction.

Don't pretend vehicular homicide,

doesn't exist,

because you've never been run over before.

Don't pretend blood,

doesn't exist,

just because you've never spilt any.

Especially,

from your vantage point,

behind the wheel.

-o0o-