Last Wash for the Old Car

To honor our 30 years of caretaking
I take my place in line with all the others
seeking purification,

that one moment of perfection
when the grey face of the car emerges
shiny dripping wet through the soapy steam.

Blue-shirted, brown-skinned workers
white towels wrapped round their heads
embrace it with rags

scrubbing until all surfaces shine.
I climb into the leather seat one last time,
fresh lemon scent surrounds me.