Indeed, I’ve learned to treat it as a Joke

Indeed, I’ve learned to treat it as a Joke When Nuts work loose, or Carburetors choke; And then, and then—the Spring, and then the Belt, A Punctured Tire, or Change-Speed Lever broke!

A Look of Anguish underneath the Car, Another Start,—a Squeak,—a Grunt,—a Jar! The Aspiration Pipe is working loose! The Vapor can’t get out! And there you are!

For I remember Stopping by the Way To tinker up the old Machine one day, And with a Reckless and Unbridled Tongue, I muttered,—Well, I Wouldn’t like to say!

Why, even Saints and Sages would have cuss’d If, speeding through the World, their Tires had Bust! Like Foolish People now, whose words of Scorn Are utter’d while their Mouths are Stopt with Dust.