Drive

 Combustible fluids flow steadily from the belly of the machine to its pounding heart. Each beat an explosion of flame and smoke thousands of times a minute. Circulating viscous liquids lubricate the metallic framework. Electric pulses travel throughout its body and convey information to the nerve center.

 The front wheel of the Cadillac is spinning at 75 miles an hour. It hugs the white line that separates smooth pavement from lose rocks and grass. Two shining white eyes pierce darkness of night and light the path to follow. The white line twists and turns trying to lose the tire that chases it through the night.

 A green glow emanates from the instrument panel and illuminates the front seats. Niles sits with his left foot in the seat and taps his right on the floor to an invisible bass drum. The cruise control is engaged. His left index finger rests firmly on the steering wheel casually making adjustments to the direction of the vehicle. His right hand holds an invisible drum stick and tries to keep time with the music that is blasting through the speakers. Several bugs end their short lives on the windshield in streaks of yellow and green as he proceeds on through the night.

by: Niles Harrison