the definitive glove-compartment pamphlet

the automobile doesn’t need its external crank

nor its introductory need-based utilitarianism.

the automobile doesn’t need the shape of its silhouette 

or its futuristic streamlined footing or a patch of

pleasant weather, nor does it need an honorable dealership

or sequential taillights to point the way.

but the automobile does need gasoline to propel itself

around the block, or steam or a sail of animal skins or jolts

of hot electricity, but the automobile doesn’t need

the optional exterior trim-package, or uni-body construction

or buyer's remorse, or six interior ashtrays, but

the automobile does need its preference for common sense,

and certainly not the occupancy of the occasional lunatic,

or a pine-scented cabin atmosphere from the hanging shape

of a tree, nor does it need the whacky anticipation of next year's

rumored panoramic windshield, but it does need to beat its brethren

in a quarter mile blaze of glory, but it doesn't need a key, or a push-

button fob, or even a driver––  but the automobile does need

the complete assembly of its parts which is where we find

the definitive glove compartment pamphlet.