the definitive automobile glove-compartment owner's manual

the automobile doesn’t need its external crank

nor anything beyond its introductory 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 mainsail 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 satisfaction, 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 shape of a tree;

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

rumored panoramic windshield, or a key to enter the interior,

or a pushbutton fob, or a driver who looks the part.––  but the automobile

does need the complete assembly of its essential parts, which is where

we find the definitive automobile glove-compartment owner's manual.