A Frightening Traumatic Experience Poem by Deanna Samuels

En-route going south on Yonge Street,
meeting a friend for dinner in mid-town,
my car suddenly hiccuped - and stopped!
Seemed locked, could not start up -
don't panic - think what to do,
appreciating I was on inside lane of two.
All the while, the clouds thickened,
becoming darker, more menacing.
Earlier in day, a warning of major storm.
However, first things first, switched flashers on.
Next, called friend, broken down won't be there.
Third, phoned CAA, told them my dilemma,
gave location; would be there in less than an hour.
By this time, the heavens had opened,
rain lashed down, windows became misty,
visibility just a blur, vehicles behind pulling out
then hooting or flashing lights in annoyance.
Me, keeping my cool, nothing I could do but wait,
hoping, praying the CAA would come very soon,
thinking someone bound to shunt me.
No good getting out and standing on sidewalk,
no shelter at all as had broken down by small park.
Heavy rain still pounded the car, visibility nil.
A phone call from the CAA roadside guy,
looking for me, described his immediate area,
and I realized he was at wrong Centre Street!
Advised him carefully the spot where I was,
and he would be at least another half hour.
Even though he was on his way.
that extra half hour seemed more like a day!
By this time, the rain had eased, visibility better,
vehicles still swinging around me, still hooting.
At last, my rescue came, my CAA angel had arrived.
Up onto the truck passenger seat I climbed
as he hoisted my car onto the breakdown truck.
Away we go, back north, onward to car dealership
amidst heavy evening traffic, finally got there.
CAA guy unloaded my car off the back of truck,
drove it into workshop and advised he was done,
wished me good luck and went on his way.
Service receptionist took over the case.
Told my sad story that the car had just died
and he, in turn called mechanic, did some tests,
indicating the alternator has had its day.
On checking, luckily, the part was in stock so
wait about two hours while repair carried out.
Within that time the work complete, paid the bill.
Was handed key, put into ignition and turned.
Somehow, did not seem right,
it made that hiccup blip and turned off.
Oh no, not again!
Called the receptionist who called the mechanic,
who couldn't understand this latest action.
He then started the car up without a hitch!
Took for test drive, found nothing wrong.
Invited me to enter, he would test drive again.
A good idea, gave me confidence, off we went
and the test drive went well, no peculiarities.
Mechanic advised if still concerned
to leave the car overnight for further tests next day.
By then, felt more confident as the test drive ok,
felt able to give it a go, get my car home.
Started up, seemed to purr and engine very quiet.
Drove the few miles home without a hitch,
parked and breathed a sigh of relief!
Home sweet home, what a traumatic five hours!


Written at Richmond Hill, Ontario - 12th August 2025
Following breakdown of my car.